Zaima, other family members visit Khaleda Zia's grave to offer prayers
Security was significantly tightened during the visit, with law enforcement personnel restricting general access to the area to ensure privacy for the family.
Family members of the late BNP chairperson and three-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia visited her grave this morning (2 January) to pay their respects and offer prayers.
The group, which arrived at the grave premises in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at approximately 8:30am, included her granddaughters Zaima Rahman (daughter of Tarique Rahman), as well as Zahia Rahman and Zafia Rahman (daughters of late Arafat Rahman Koko).
They were accompanied by Syeda Shamila Rahman, wife of late Arafat Rahman Koko.
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The visit was marked by a deep sense of grief as the family members stood in silence before the floral-covered grave. Zaima Rahman was seen placing a wreath and offering Surah-e-Fateha, while her cousins stood beside her.
Other close relatives also joined the gathering, including Khaleda Zia's younger sister Selina Islam and her husband, Professor Aminul Islam, who arrived in a wheelchair. The family of her younger brother, Shamim Eskander, and Khaleda Zia's long-time personal helper, Fatema Begum, were also present to offer their final tributes.
While the family members performed their prayers, members of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Ulama Dal recited the Holy Quran at the graveside, maintaining a sombre atmosphere.
Meanwhile, security was significantly tightened during the visit, with law enforcement personnel restricting general access to the area to ensure privacy for the family. BNP leaders and activists were asked to wait outside the perimeter.
Once the family members departed, the gates were reopened to the public, leading to a massive surge of mourners. Many party activists and citizens, wearing black badges, thronged the burial site to catch a glimpse of the final resting place of the "uncompromising leader".
Khaleda Zia was laid to rest with full state honours on 31 December beside the grave of her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, following a historic funeral prayer at Manik Mia Avenue attended by millions of people from all over the country.
