'We won't get such a leader again': A supporter’s journey to bid farewell to Khaleda
By early morning, the National Parliament area had begun to fill with people from across the country, including Kurigram, Cumilla, Feni and Mymensingh. Many arrived as early as 4am.
Mohammad Eshak Ali left his home in Gazipur at dawn today (31 December), setting out for Manik Mia Avenue to bid farewell to a political icon.
By 11am, he reached the College Gate area near the National Parliament, joining thousands who had gathered to attend the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Eshak, originally from Bogura, said Khaleda Zia had long been a familiar presence in his life.
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"Since her home is in our area, I have heard her speeches at so many public rallies. We will not get such a leader again," he said.
Along Manik Mia Avenue, vendors were selling prayer caps, calling out prices through hand microphones. Eshak stopped briefly to buy a Tk20 cap before continuing towards the funeral venue.
In Bogura, nomination papers had been filed in her name for the upcoming election, reinforcing for supporters like Eshak a sense of long-standing attachment to the leader they had backed for decades.
By early morning, the National Parliament area had begun to fill with people from across the country, including Kurigram, Cumilla, Feni and Mymensingh. Many arrived as early as 4am.
Some wore black badges as a symbol of mourning for the former prime minister, who died yesterday (30 December) at the age of 79.
The namaz-e-janaza is scheduled to be held at around 2pm after Zuhr prayers.
Following the funeral prayers, Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside the grave of her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman.
