Zaima, family members offer prayers at Khaleda’s grave amid tight security

Family members of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia have paid their respects at her grave, offering prayers.

Khaleda’s granddaughter Zaima Rahman, along with other family members, visited the grave around 9:30am on Friday.

She was accompanied by Syeda Sharmila Rahman, wife of Khaleda’s late younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, and Nasrin Iskander, wife of Khaleda’s late brother Sayeed Iskander.

Khaleda’s sister Selina Islam was also there with her husband Prof Aminul Islam, who came in a wheelchair. Their son Shahrin Islam Tuhin and his wife accompanied them, along with Khaleda's younger brother Shamim Iskander’s son Avik Iskander and other family members.

Khaleda’s domestic aide Fatema Begum was also among those present.

Zaima placed a bouquet of flowers at the grave and prayed quietly. The graveyard remained silent during the prayers.

At the same time, members of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Ulama Dal were reciting verses from the Quran in the graveyard.

Security was tightened during the family’s visit, and no leaders or activists were allowed to enter the graveyard.

After the family members left, it was reopened to the public.

Following this, a large number of BNP leaders and activists gathered at the grave, many wearing black badges as a mark of mourning.

Khaleda died on Dec 30 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

She was buried the next day with state honours beside the grave of her husband, late president Ziaur Rahman.

The BNP is observing a seven-day mourning period marking her death.

Party offices across the country have lowered party flags and hoisted black flags.