With crutches in both hands, devotion undeterred: 65-year-old Anwar walks to Khaleda Zia’s janaza

Leaning on crutches in both hands, 65-year-old Mohammad Anwar Hossain Hazari moved forward at a slow, steady pace. Suffering from a long-term leg condition that makes walking impossible without support, he nevertheless refused to let physical pain stand in the way of paying his final respects to his beloved leader.

Anwar walked part of the long route from Manikganj's Atigram union to the capital's Manik Mia Avenue to attend the namaj-e-janaza of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

This morning (31 December), he travelled from Manikganj to Dhaka by vehicle. He managed to reach Shyamoli by car, but vehicular movement beyond that point was halted due to security measures and traffic restrictions. Forced to get down, he began walking from Shyamoli towards Manik Mia Avenue, relying on his crutches.

Speaking to this correspondent around noon in the Asad Gate area, Anwar said, "I am a devoted admirer, worker and supporter of Khaleda Zia. She served as the country's prime minister three times. People will remember forever the contributions she made to the country as an uncompromising leader. I feel honoured to be able to attend her final farewell."

He was wearing a panjabi-pajama, wrapped in a shawl, with a black badge pinned to his chest. Grief was evident in his voice, but determination marked his face. When asked about his physical hardship, he said, "I have come here, and I don't feel any pain. I am participating in the janaza peacefully. I am praying for the forgiveness of her departed soul."

Strict security arrangements were put in place centring the janaza. Members of the army and police were deployed in Shyamoli, Agargaon and Asad Gate areas. Direct access to Manik Mia Avenue through Asad Gate was closed, and to maintain order, people were directed to reach the janaza venue via Mirpur Road and the 27-number intersection. Amid the crowd and restrictions, Anwar continued to move forward slowly with his crutches.

Like him, people from different parts of the country flocked to Dhaka to attend Khaleda Zia's janaza. Mohammad Eshak Ali, who came from Bogura, left his Gazipur residence early in the morning and reached the College Gate area by around 11am.

"She had a house in our area. I heard her speeches at many rallies. We will not get a leader like her again," he said.

From early morning, people from Kurigram, Cumilla, Feni, Mymensingh and several other districts gathered around the Jatiya Sangsad complex. Many were seen wearing black badges. Amid the presence of hundreds of thousands of people, the janaza was held at 3:03pm. 

The crowd stretched far beyond the parliament complex – from Karwan Bazar, Asad Gate to Mohammadpur Town Hall, and from Agargaon Metro Station to Shishu Mela in Shyamoli.

In this vast sea of mourners, Anwar – walking slowly with crutches in both hands – stood out as a quiet, human symbol of love, loyalty and final farewell.