BNP acting chair Tarique Rahman asked for prayers for his late mother, three-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia, and offered an apology on her behalf “if anyone was hurt by her words or conduct,” during brief remarks at her funeral prayer on Wednesday.
Introducing himself as the elder son of the late BNP chairperson, Tarique told mourners at Manik Mia Avenue that anyone who believes Khaleda Zia owed them money should contact him and that he would arrange repayment. “If in her lifetime anyone was aggrieved by her behavior or words, I seek your forgiveness on her behalf,” he said, also requesting prayers that “Allah grant her Jannah.”
The janaza took place around 3:00 pm, led by National Mosque Baitul Mukarram’s khatib Mufti Abdul Malek, and drew a vast crowd extending well beyond the Parliament precincts. Attendees included President Md. Shahabuddin, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus and members of the advisory council, the chiefs of the armed forces, foreign envoys and dignitaries, as well as leaders from across political parties.
Khaleda Zia’s burial with state honors beside her late husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, is scheduled to follow the funeral rites at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, with restricted access to ensure the interment proceeds smoothly.