BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday paid homage to his father, party founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, at his grave in Zia Udyan at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking his first visit in 19 years.
Accompanied by senior party leaders, Tarique Rahman placed wreaths and offered prayers at the grave at around 4:50pm. He stood silently for some time in front of his father’s grave and offered munajat, while access to the burial area was restricted to senior party leaders only.
Meanwhile, a large number of BNP leaders and activists gathered around the area, carrying banners and photographs of the party leader.
Several small processions were also seen in and around the venue as supporters waited outside to pay their respects.
After paying respects at his father’s grave, Tarique Rahman proceeded to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War
Earlier, he left his Gulshan residence shortly before 3pm, with the BNP Media Cell confirming the development in a post on its verified Facebook page at 2:58pm.
Leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations had gathered at the venue since early morning, many carrying party flags, banners, and posters, as they awaited Tarique Rahman’s arrival.
Returning to Bangladesh on Thursday after a 17-year exile, Tarique Rahman’s homecoming has generated significant excitement among party leaders and supporters. His visit to Ziaur Rahman’s grave has been described as both a historic and symbolic moment for the BNP.
Security has been heightened in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, with additional law enforcement personnel deployed around Zia Udyan and nearby roads. Checkpoints have been set up at key entry points, and party volunteers are assisting in maintaining order.
By noon, crowd density had increased on roads surrounding Zia Udyan. Leaders and activists were instructed to remain in designated areas for security reasons. Authorities said the situation remained under control through coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies and volunteers.
Earlier, the BNP Media Cell had announced that Tarique Rahman would visit his father’s grave after Jumma prayers before proceeding to Savar for the second part of his programme.
According to party sources, Tarique Rahman last visited Ziaur Rahman’s grave on September 1, 2006.
