BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the millions of people who gathered to pay their final respects to his mother, former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, following her death.
In a Facebook post on Thursday( January 1), Tarique described the overwhelming public response as a source of strength for his family during a time of deep personal loss. “Today, at a time of greatest sorrow, I feel like this whole nation is my family,” he wrote.
Khaleda Zia’s funeral was held on Wednesday in front of the National Parliament, where a massive crowd assembled to honour her life and political legacy. She was later laid to rest with full state honours beside the grave of her husband, BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan.
“I am deeply moved by the outpouring of love from so many friends, neighbours, well-wishers, and families who came in their millions to honour her life and legacy,” Tarique said. He added that the presence of people from all walks of life helped ease the pain of his mother’s passing, calling her “not only a mother to me, but in many ways a mother of this nation.”
Khaleda Zia was declared dead on Tuesday after undergoing treatment for 40 days at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital. She was 79.
Remembering her political journey, Tarique noted that his mother stepped into leadership at a critical moment in the country’s history. After the assassination of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda assumed the helm of the BNP despite having no prior political experience. In 1983, she played a key role in forming a seven-party alliance to lead the anti-Ershad movement, refusing compromise when others chose accommodation. Her firm stance earned her a reputation as an uncompromising leader in Bangladesh’s democratic struggle.
Over a political career spanning more than four decades, Khaleda led the BNP for 41 years, served three terms as prime minister, was elected to parliament five times, and twice held the position of leader of the opposition. Supporters credit her with shaping modern opposition politics and defending multiparty democracy during turbulent periods.
Tarique also thanked foreign governments, diplomats, and development partners who conveyed condolences, noting that senior representatives from South Asian countries and the diplomatic community personally attended the funeral. “Your gestures of condolence have touched our hearts profoundly,” he said.
Reflecting on his responsibilities ahead, Tarique said he felt the weight of carrying forward his mother’s legacy. “My mother devoted her life to serving others, day after day, with relentless dedication,” he wrote. “Where her journey paused, I will strive to continue her work for the people whose faith and love sustained her until her last breath.”
He concluded with a prayer: “May Allah grant her eternal peace, and may we find strength in the devotion she shared with us all.”
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