'Your efforts made it possible to honour her memory with dignity,' says Tarique, thanking all for Khaleda Zia's funeral

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed heartfelt gratitude to members of the armed forces, law-enforcement agencies, civil administration, foreign affairs officials and media professionals for their role in ensuring a dignified final farewell for his mother, former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a post on his verified Facebook profile today (1 January), Tarique Rahman wrote, "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."

He conveyed special thanks to the armed forces, saying, "I am deeply 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."

He also acknowledged the role of law-enforcement and security agencies, stating, "My sincere thanks also go to the men and women serving across our security and law-enforcement services: the Home Adviser's office, the Police, BGB, Ansar & 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."

Thanking intelligence agencies, he added, "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."

Tarique Rahman further expressed appreciation for officials across several ministries and security offices, writing, "I would also like to acknowledge 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, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Your thoughtful coordination and steady presence helped ensure that everything was handled with care."

He highlighted the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating the participation of foreign dignitaries, noting, "I am grateful to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose thoughtful efforts helped ensure that senior dignitaries from abroad were able to personally convey the condolences of their respective countries. Their presence reflected the deep respect my mother was held in beyond our borders."

Praising journalists for their work under difficult circumstances, 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."

He also thanked the interim government leadership, writing, "I also wish to thank 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."

Concluding the message, Tarique Rahman said, "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."