Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) – The ghaibana Namaz-e-Janaza of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was held at the Collectorate Eidgah Maidan in Rangpur city after Zohr prayers today.
 
Tens of hundreds of people from all walks of life, including leaders and workers of BNP, its affiliate bodies and different political parties, sociocultural and professional organisations, students, teachers and academics, attended the janaza prayers. 
 
Organized at the initiative of BNP central member Rita Rahman, Khatib of Nazirerhat Baitul Falah Jam-e-Mosque Hafez Maulana Mohmmad Hamidul Islam conducted the ghaibana funeral prayers.  
 
Senior BNP leader Kawsar Zaman Babla, Rangpur Range DIG of Bangladesh Police Aminul Islam, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Majid Ali, and other officials and employees also participated in the funeral.  
 
After the ghaibana janaza, a special prayer was held seeking forgiveness for the soul of the Begum Khaleda Zia. 
 
In addition, a ghaibana funeral prayer was held at the Central Mosque of Begum Rokeya University after Asr prayers to pray for the eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia. 
 
Meanwhile, the death of Begum Khaleda Zia has cast a shadow of mourning everywhere in the district among the party leaders and workers as well as the common people. 
 
As per the programme announced by the BNP’s central committee, the party organized a black flag hoisting, wearing of black badges and recitation of the holy Quran at the party office at the Grand Hotel intersection in the city in the morning. 
 
As a state mourning was declared, businesspersons kept all business establishments in the city closed except for pharmacies and food shops until the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia.
 
Talking to BSS on the sidelines of the funeral prayer, participants said that Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was a symbol of uncompromising leadership and a pioneer in re-establishing multi-party democracy.
 
They prayed for the forgiveness of the departed soul and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, colleagues and countless admirers. 
 
A grocery shop owner Mizanur Rahman said Begum Khaleda Zia is a unique personality in the political history of Bangladesh.
 
“She has shown determination, wisdom and courage in running the country during her three-term tenure as the elected Prime Minister and played an uncompromising role in protecting democracy, national sovereignty and the people’s rights,” he said. 
 
Auto-rickshaw driver Yasin Ali said that Begum Khaleda Zia has never deviated from her ideal which has elevated her to a unique height. 
 
College student Muhaimenul Islam said that the contribution of Begum Khaleda Zia in re-establishing parliamentary democracy and developing a strong opposition political movement will be remembered forever with due respect in history. 
 
“She was a unique chapter in the political history of Bangladesh and her political foresight and struggling life will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations,” he added.