‘Pray for my mother,’ Tarique appeals to nation at Khaleda Zia’s janaza

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday appealed to the people of Bangladesh to pray for his late mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and sought forgiveness on her behalf if she had ever caused hurt to anyone during her lifetime.

Speaking briefly before the namaz-e-janaza at South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad complex, Tarique addressed the sea of mourners with an emotional message. 

Introducing himself as Khaleda Zia’s elder son, he said that if his mother had owed anyone anything during her life, they should contact him so that repayment could be arranged.

He also asked forgiveness from anyone who might have been hurt by her words or actions, urging people to pray that Allah grants her eternal peace in Jannah. 

His remarks, delivered around 2:58pm, were short and simple, reflecting the tone of a son bidding farewell to his mother as part of the funeral rites.

Khaleda Zia’s body was brought to a temporary dais at the South Plaza at around 2:45pm ahead of the janaza. 

Later, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan read out a brief account of her life on behalf of the party, recalling her entry into politics, long struggle for democracy, commitment to democratic principles and strong sense of patriotism. 

He also called on the gathering to pray for her departed soul.

The namaz-e-janaza was led at 3:02pm by Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. 

Following the prayers, Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at around 4:30pm, with state honours.

The three-time former prime minister passed away at 6am on Tuesday at the age of 80 at Evercare Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for more than a month due to multiple critical health complications.