Tarique Rahman Vows to Carry Forward Khaleda Zia’s Legacy on Social Media
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed his determination to continue the journey from where his mother’s path came to an end. He shared this sentiment in a Facebook post on Thursday, January 1, the day after the burial of Begum Khaleda Zia—Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, BNP chairperson, and his mother.
“Seeing hundreds of thousands of people come together to show respect, express love, and stand beside us in this difficult time has once again reminded me that she was not only my mother; in many ways, she was the mother of the entire nation,” Tarique Rahman wrote.
He expressed gratitude to representatives from various South Asian countries, diplomats, and development partners who paid their respects to Khaleda Zia in person.
Recalling her lifelong dedication, he wrote that Khaleda Zia had devoted herself tirelessly to serving the people, and that he deeply feels the “responsibility and legacy” she has left behind.
“With sincerity and a sense of responsibility, I make this commitment: from where my mother’s journey has ended, I will strive to carry it forward—for the people whose love and trust gave her strength and inspiration until her final breath,” he added.
Khaleda Zia, who had been undergoing medical treatment for a long time, passed away at 6:00 am on Tuesday, December 30. Following a massive funeral prayer attended by large crowds on Wednesday, she was laid to rest with state honors, beside the grave of her husband and former President Ziaur Rahman.
In his first post following the burial, Tarique Rahman wrote, “Yesterday, at one of the most profound moments of grief in my life, I was able to bid my final farewell to my mother. It was a historic farewell, carried out with due respect and dignity by the people of the country. From the depths of my heart, I thank all those whose care, responsibility, and professionalism made this possible.”
He paid tribute to officers and members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force, who remained on continuous duty during the funeral proceedings. “You not only maintained discipline but also demonstrated humanity in a moment of collective mourning. You ensured everyone’s safety and enabled peaceful participation in the funeral prayer,” he said.
Tarique Rahman also thanked members of the law enforcement and security agencies, including the Adviser for Home Affairs, Police, BGB, Ansar and VDP, RAB, and APBn. He noted that their patience, integrity, and sense of duty allowed hundreds of thousands of people to gather safely, express their grief and respect, and return home peacefully.
He further expressed equal gratitude to the dedicated personnel of DGFI, NSI, and the Special Branch, whose work often remains unseen. “Because of your vigilance and sense of responsibility, the day passed safely and without incident,” he wrote.
Acknowledging broader institutional support, he thanked the National Security Adviser, PSO of the Armed Forces Division, DG of SSF, and officials from the Ministries of Housing and Public Works, Information and Broadcasting, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Culture, and Religious Affairs. He said their coordination and presence ensured a peaceful environment for mourning and tribute.
Finally, Tarique Rahman thanked officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that their sincere efforts enabled high-level foreign representatives to attend in person and convey condolences. “This demonstrates how deeply my mother was respected beyond the country’s borders,” he wrote.
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