Khaleda Zia likely to be buried beside Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan
Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former Prime Minister, is likely to be buried beside her husband and former President Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed informed Prothom Alo about the matter. He further said that her funeral prayer (janaza) may be held tomorrow Wednesday (31 December) at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.
Earlier, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain confirmed the news of her death.
At the time of her passing at Evercare Hospital at 6:00 am on Tuesday (30 December), her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman was by her side. Also present were Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubayda Rahman, granddaughter Zaima Rahman, wife of her late younger son Sharmili Rahman Sinthi, younger brother Shamim Iskandar, his wife, elder sister Selina Islam, and other family members.
Besides them, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, other leaders, and members of the medical board treating Khaleda Zia were also present at the hospital.
Discussions are underway regarding two possible burial sites for Khaleda Zia. A responsible BNP source informed Bangla Tribune on Tuesday (30 December) that she may be buried either in the designated area for national leaders west of the National Parliament or beside former President Ziaur Rahman.
However, the final decision will be taken in the cabinet meeting, the source said.
On Tuesday (30 December), BNP Media Personnel Shairul Kabir Khan said that the decision will be taken after discussion with the Chief Adviser. BNP Secretary General will attend the advisory council meeting.
BNP called a Standing Committee meeting at 12:30 pm on Tuesday.
Earlier, around 2:00 am on Tuesday night, Tarique Rahman returned home after seeing his mother at Evercare Hospital. Before that, around 12:20 am, Mirza Fakhrul left the hospital. At midnight, Khaleda Zia’s personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said her condition was critical.
Khaleda Zia had been ill for quite some time. This year, she received advanced treatment in London but returned to the country.
In 2018, Khaleda Zia was arrested in a case. Later, on 25 March 2020, she received conditional temporary release under special consideration of the government. Following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, the President granted her full release.
