BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed his gratitude, on behalf of his family, to all those who carried out their duties in assisting with the namaz-e-janaza and burial of his mother, Khaleda Zia.
He described the farewell of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia as a historic departure. The farewell was conducted with due respect and dignity for the people of the country, he said.
He shared this message in a post on his verified Facebook page around 7:15am on Thursday.
“In yesterday’s moments of deep personal loss, I want to speak from the heart and thank the many individuals whose care and professionalism helped the country conduct itself through my mother’s final farewell,” said the BNP acting chairman.
“On behalf of my family, I thank each of you, not as institutions, but as people, for the empathy, respect, and sense of duty you showed at a time when we were grieving a great loss. Your efforts made it possible for our family, Alhamdilillah, and for the nation, to honour her memory with dignity,” he said.
“You were the strength that enabled our family, and indeed the entire nation, to honour my mother’s memory with dignity, Alhamdulillah.”
Tarique Rahman also thanked Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and the members of his cabinet for attending in person and for helping to guide the day with steadiness and care during a moment of national mourning.
He was also grateful to the officers and personnel of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force who stood with dignity and diligence throughout the day. “Many of you were on duty for long hours, ensuring order and calm while remaining mindful of the grief that surrounded us. Your conduct reflected not only discipline, but kindness.”
Tarique Rahman further thanked the men and women serving across the security and law-enforcement services—the Home Adviser’s Office, the Police, BGB, Ansar and VDP, RAB, and APBn. “You worked patiently and respectfully, helping millions of people gather and return safely, allowing families to mourn and pay their respects in peace.”
He also wrote, “I am equally thankful to those whose work is often unseen—the dedicated individuals of DGFI, NSI, and the Special Branch (SB). Your vigilance helped ensure the safety and smooth flow of the day.”
The BNP leader also expressed gratitude to the many public servants and staff working within the National Security Adviser’s Office, PSO AFD, DG SSF, and the teams from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said, “Covering the event amid a vast crowd spread across several square kilometres was an immense challenge for journalists. Despite these harsh conditions, media professionals from home and abroad worked with dedication to document and share accurate coverage of the janaza prayers and burial worldwide. I extend my sincere respect and heartfelt thanks to all of them.”
