Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 01, 2025 (BSS)- The burial site of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has been opened to the public.

The site located in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the city was opened for public access this afternoon.

Since morning, many general people, along with party activists and leaders, gathered in the area to pay their respects to Begum Khaleda Zia. As the park was previously closed for renovation, many waited at the barricades near the entrance on Bijoy Sarani intersection. Unable to enter the burial ground, many offered prayers while standing on the road.

In the morning, former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar came to pay his tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia. He offered Munajat (special prayers) at the graves of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

While speaking to the media, Babar stated that Khaleda Zia was uncompromising when it came to ensuring the safety of the people and their property. "Whatever I asked for, she granted me," he said. Babar further asserted, "We never used RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) for political purposes, not even for a day or an hour. No one can claim this or show proof of it."

He added that Begum Khaleda Zia was such a leader who would not spare even BNP activists if they committed an injustice. "I worked very close to  the Leader. I have witnessed her patriotism. She never compromised on the issue of independence and sovereignty," Babar remarked.

It is understood that the park entrance was previously restricted due to ongoing renovation work, but it has now been opened. In addition to police, members of other forces are also providing security for the entire park.

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's Namaz-e-janaza (funeral prayer) was held yesterday at approximately 3:00 PM, led by the Imam of the National Mosque, Baitul Mukarram, Mufti Abdul Malek. Later, at around 4:45 PM, she was laid to rest with full state honours beside the grave of her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, in the Zia Udyan area of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday (December 30) at 6:00 AM while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.