A crowd of ordinary people has descended upon the Zia Uddyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar of the city. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS)-  A crowd of ordinary people has descended upon the Zia Uddyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar of the city to pay their respects to three-time former Prime Minister and Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. 

Even on the first day of the New Year, the nation seems to have put aside celebration, instead being immersed in a deep feeling of grief, memory, and love. People are rushing to visit the grave of their beloved leader with flowers in tearful eyes and offering prayers.

People arriving from various districts and upazilas across the country began heading towards Zia Uddyan since this morning. Braving the winter morning chill, some came by bus, others by truck, and some in groups on foot, all with the single purpose of paying tribute to Khaleda Zia.

The Lake Road leading to the gravesites of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia was reopened to the general public after being closed for security reasons. Police and army personnel were observed maintaining a vigilant presence at the entrance and surrounding areas of Zia Uddyan. Members of the law enforcement agencies assisted in ensuring a peaceful homage.

This morning, former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar visited Begum Khaleda Zia's grave and offered prayers for the salvation of her soul.

The sheer volume of people who came to visit the grave was striking. Many ordinary citizens who are not affiliated with BNP politics were also overwhelmed with emotion as they paid their respects. With flowers in hand, tears in their eyes, or silent prayers on their lips, the gravesite transformed into a deeply emotional gathering place.

Professor Dr. Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah, Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University (IU), who came to pay respects to the 'Deshnetri' (Leader of the Nation) Begum Khaleda Zia, told BSS,  "The unprecedented attendance at Khaleda Zia's Janaza (funeral prayer) proves how deeply she had secured a place in the hearts of this country's people. I feel fortunate to have been able to attend her funeral. When I heard about the opportunity to visit her Mazar (shrine) today, I immediately rushed here to pray for her."

He said, "Khaleda Zia was a genuine, dedicated democratic leader who never sought anything for herself, but consistently spoke for the country, the soil, and the people throughout her life."

The IU Vice-Chancellor further stated, "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman established an ideological political party. But it was Begum Khaleda Zia who truly transformed that party into a complete political entity. She took charge during a severe leadership crisis, gradually matured the party's leadership, and shaped it into a fighting force for the country's independence and sovereignty."

Motalib Mia from Mirpur told BSS that he could not visit the grave yesterday due to state protocol, so he came this morning. He said, "The kind of torture inflicted upon Begum Khaleda Zia is unprecedented. She was kept under house arrest, attacked while trying to participate in elections, imprisoned on false charges, and denied the opportunity for treatment abroad despite her grave illness."
He added, "Despite all this persecution, she never bowed her head. She wanted the people of this country to be able to live with dignity. She was uncompromising on the questions of democracy, human rights, and welfare. We have lost our mother."

Tariqul Islam from Chandpur said, "I am not a member of any political party. I always loved Begum Khaleda Zia. I personally consider the time the country spent under her leadership to be a golden era. I feel good that I was able to pay my respects and pray for her today."

Tamanna Akhter came from Bijoynagar, Brahmanbaria, with her two children. She told BSS, "Begum Khaleda Zia was not just a politician; she was a symbol of courageous female leadership. It is out of deep love and respect for her that I came here today with my two children to pray. She transcended political division and represents an important chapter in the country's history. Her life, struggle, and leadership remain an inspiration to many."

The spontaneous and continuous presence of people near Khaleda Zia's grave today silently declares that the physical departure of a stateswoman can never erase her ideals, leadership, and influence. No matter how much time passes, she remains forever in the depths of memory.

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