Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. File Photo

By Esme Azom

DHAKA, Aug 15, 2026 (BSS)- People of all walks of life remembered BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia with profound respect and love marking her 82nd birth anniversary. 

On this occasion, leaders, activists, supporters, and well-wishers participated in various programs, including placing   wreaths at her grave in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, offering prayers and holding munajat.

After visiting a roaming BSS correspondent found that apart from party leaders and activists, well-wishers from different parts of the country came to pay their respects. Some offered  tributes, while others raised their hands in prayers seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of Khaleda Zia .

Social Welfare and Women and Chaildren Affairs Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain paid tribute at Khaleda Zia's grave this afternoon by reciting Surah Fatiha and offering  munajat seeking eternal peace of her departed soul.

After paying tribute, he told BSS, "On the occasion of Khaleda Zia's 82nd birth anniversary , I have prayed for eternal peace of her departed soul. Alongside, I have also prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman."

 "Khaleda Zia loved democracy throughout her life. She never compromised. She loved the country and its people," he added. 

The Minister further said, "By the infinite mercy of Allah, since her passing way , people from all walks of life have stood by her coffin. They have prayed to Allah. May Allah grant her Jannat ."
Earlier, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan paid tribute by placing   wreaths at Khaleda Zia's grave. In the afternoon, under the leadership of the Administrator, DNCC officials placed   wreaths at the grave of Begum Khaleda Zia.

At this time, special munajat was offered seeking eternal peace of her departed soul.

Later, former President of Dhaka University Chhatra Dal and current Central Committee Vice President Khorshed Alam Sohel came with leaders and activists to pay tributes to her.

After paying tribute, he told journalists, "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the late uncompromising stateswoman Begum Khaleda Zia, a symbol of Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty, we have visited her grave to seek eternal peace of  her  departed soul."

"Begum Khaleda Zia dedicated her entire life to the country and its people. Our Deshnetri had said that she had no place outside the country; this country and its people are everything to her," he added.

Mohammad Rabiul Alam, a supporter from Gazipur, came with his wife to pay tribute to Khaleda Zia. He said, "I participated in the 1990 mass uprising alongside Madam. We were together with her in struggles throughout her life."

Referring to the country's progress under the leadership of current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the country is now moving forward, and I express hope that it will continue to do well. We want to move forward well. It is our expectation that the country will progress."

Abid, a Chhatra Dal activist from Ward number 15 of Dhaka North City Corporation, was seen in prayer beside Khaleda Zia's grave. Talking to BSS, he said, "I pray a lot for Khaleda Zia  who deeply loved our country. If she were alive today, she could have taken our country to a much higher level."

He further said, "May Allah grant her son Tarique Rahman the ability to run the country properly."

Mansur Alam, a supporter from Lohagara of Chattogram district, came to the capital with several friends to visit Khaleda Zia's grave. In a reaction to BSS, Mansur Alam said, "We have come from Chattogram. We came here with the purpose of visiting Begum Zia's grave."

The 82nd birth anniversary of Khaleda Zia was marked by tributes from people of all walks of life at her grave. Through floral tributes and prayers, they paid their respects to the memory of the late unprecedented leader.