Khaleda Zia's grave opened to public; people from all walks of life pay respects
Alongside party leaders and activists, large numbers of ordinary citizens, including elderly people, children and teenagers, have been seen offering prayers
People from different walks of life are visiting the grave of the late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Zia Udyan in the capital to pay their respects.
Alongside party leaders and activists, large numbers of ordinary citizens, including elderly people, children and teenagers, have been seen offering prayers.
Entry to Zia Udyan was temporarily restricted for the public this morning (1 January), causing crowds to gather at various entrances. At 11:58am, the park was opened to everyone, after which visitors began entering freely to offer prayers at Khaleda Zia's grave.
Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police and the army were deployed at the main entrance of Zia Udyan, opposite the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Law enforcement personnel and cleaning staff were also seen inside the park.
Twelve-year-old Shah Maruf Ehsan, who came with his family from Lalmatia, said, "I have heard that during Sheikh Hasina's time, people were not allowed to write about Khaleda Zia and Ziaur Rahman. Even so, Khaleda Zia led the country three times."
"I came here to show my respect and pray for her," he added.
Around noon, several visitors were seen reciting the Holy Quran near the grave.
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Nilufar Sultana, who came from Khamarbari, said Khaleda Zia lost her husband at a young age and struggled to raise two sons. "Over the past 15 years, the nation has witnessed her suffering and sacrifices. She was a guardian figure for the people of this country. The massive turnout at yesterday's janaza reflected how much people loved her," she said.
While visiting the grave of Khaleda Zia, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Vice-President Dr Touhidur Rahman Auwal said, "Madam was like oxygen in Bangladesh's political arena. Her passing has created a void in the country's politics. Fascist Hasina herself is responsible for Madam's death, because she accelerated it. If she had not harassed her or subjected her to suffering, Madam might not have died in this way. Madam's soul will not find peace until fascist Hasina is brought to justice."
BNP activist Jaman described Khaleda Zia as an extraordinary woman and a guardian of democracy in Bangladesh.
Before the site was opened to the public, former state minister for home affairs Lutfuzzaman Babar visited the grave and paid his respects. Speaking to reporters while leaving, he said Khaleda Zia was uncompromising when it came to ensuring the safety of people's lives and property.
He claimed that during her tenure, law enforcement agencies such as RAB were never used for political purposes and that even BNP leaders and activists were not spared if they committed wrongdoing.
