Following the announcement of the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, a large gathering of party leaders, activists and members of the public assembled outside Evercare Hospital and Zia Uddan in the capital.
Many attendees were observed wailing in grief, creating a somber atmosphere throughout the area.
To ensure order, the police established barricades in front of the hospital, and personnel from various law enforcement agencies, including the RAB and BGB, were deployed.
It was observed on the ground that upon hearing the news of Khaleda Zia’s passing, BNP leaders and activists from multiple levels of the party hurried to the hospital, not only from Dhaka but also from districts across the country. Nearly all senior central leaders of the party who were in Dhaka were seen arriving at the hospital.
Preparations are simultaneously underway to lay Begum Khaleda Zia to rest at Zia Udyan, located within the Parliament complex, beside the grave of her late husband, martyred president Ziaur Rahman.
From the morning of Tuesday, a steady stream of party leaders and activists was observed at Zia Udyan. Work commenced to complete the burial formalities, including measuring and digging the grave.
Around noon, officials were seen taking measurements of the burial site. At approximately 4pm, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury visited the site.
Many leaders and activists present at Zia Udyan were observed capturing photographs and videos on their mobile devices, while several broke down in tears. BNP activist Sohag Mia, who had traveled from Basila, said: “I came today fearing that I might not be able to enter later due to the crowd. I wanted to see where my beloved leader will be laid to rest.”
Another activist, Afzal Hossain, said: “For most of the time since I entered politics, she remained virtually confined at home. I always wished to take a photograph with her, but that opportunity never arose. I have come today to hold on to a memory.”
To manage the large assembly, security has been reinforced in multiple layers at Zia Udyan. Members of the relevant law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to ensure that law and order are maintained.
