On Thursday, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman thanked the government's civilian and military institutions, law enforcement, public servants, and media professionals for their professionalism, care, and dedication in ensuring a peaceful and dignified final farewell to his late mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
Tarique Rahman expressed heartfelt gratitude to the officers and personnel of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force for maintaining discipline, dignity, and calm throughout the day of national mourning. He stated that their actions demonstrated not only professionalism but also compassion during a highly emotional moment.
He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to members of general security and law enforcement, including the Home Adviser's Office, Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and VDP, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Armed Police Battalion (APBN).
"You worked patiently and respectfully, assisting millions of people in gathering and returning safely, allowing families to mourn and pay their respects in peace," the statement read.
Recognising the behind-the-scenes efforts, the BNP Acting Chairman praised the intelligence agencies—the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), and the Special Branch (SB)—for their vigilance, which contributed to the overall safety and smooth running of the events.
Tarique Rahman also thanked public servants from several key ministries and offices, including the National Security Adviser's Office, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division (PSO AFD), Directorate General of the Special Security Force (DG SSF), and teams from the Ministries of Housing and Public Works, Information and Broadcasting, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Cultural Affairs, and Religious Affairs.
He stated that their careful coordination and consistent presence ensured that all aspects of the programme were handled with care and respect.
Special thanks were extended to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for facilitating the participation of senior foreign dignitaries, allowing them to personally convey condolences on behalf of their respective countries—a gesture that, he said, reflected Begum Khaleda Zia's international respect.
The BNP leader also praised journalists and media professionals from home and abroad for their dedicated and accurate coverage of the massive Janaza prayers and burial ceremonies, describing their work as especially difficult in the face of crowds spanning several square kilometres.
Finally, Tarique Rahman thanked Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and members of his cabinet for being present in person and guiding the day "with steadiness and care during a time of national mourning."
"We thank you not only as institutions, but also as individuals, for your empathy, respect, and sense of duty during a time of great loss. Alhamdulillah, thanks to your efforts, our family and the nation can now honour her memory with dignity," he said.
.jpg "Former minister, Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed dies")
