Democracy icon Begum Khaleda Zia laid to eternal rest

BNP Chairperson and three-time former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh, was laid to eternal rest beside her husband martyred President Ziaur Rahman’s grave in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

The namaz-e-janaza was held at the Manik Mia Avenue at around 3pm. Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Khatib Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek conducted the funeral prayers while BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan read out a brief biography of Begum Zia.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, and Khaleda Zia’s son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman joined the funeral prayers along with foreign dignitaries, advisers of the interim government, leaders of different political parties and senior government and military officials.

Mourners from all walks of life offered prayers seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Begum Zia, many of them breaking down in tears as they bid farewell to their beloved leader.