Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman shared a heartfelt message of gratitude to the nation, the interim government and the international community on his official Facebook page this Saturday.

The message follows the conclusion of the three-day official state mourning period for his mother, the late three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a statement reflecting on his mother’s legacy, Tarique Rahman noted that the past few days revealed how much she meant to people from all walks of life.

The BNP leader extended his "eternal thanks" to the interim government, specifically mentioning Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and his Cabinet. He praised their leadership and "swift coordination," which allowed for an honorable and dignified farewell for the former Prime Minister within a very short timeframe.

He also acknowledged the overwhelming solidarity shown by the global community, including neighboring countries, diplomats, and international organizations.

A significant portion of the message was dedicated to the servicemen and women who managed the funeral proceedings.

Tarique Rahman offered special praise to the Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR) for their solemn guard of honor and final salute, stating they "embodied the nation’s reverence" as they escorted her to her final resting place.

Addressing the people of Bangladesh directly, he expressed his awe at the massive gatherings held across the country.

Concluding on behalf of his family and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, he thanked everyone who stood by them during this period of grief.

He emphasized that the kindness and solidarity shown by the public would serve as a source of comfort and strength as both the party and the family move forward.

The Full Text:

As the three-day national mourning period for Begum Khaleda Zia comes to a close, our family has been deeply moved by the continued outpouring of condolences and prayers from across the country and from friends abroad. These three days have shown us the many ways in which my mother meant something different to different people, often in ways we may not have fully known or seen.

To many she came to symbolise the courage to stand up for what one truly believes in and remain steadfast in conviction, despite the hardship. That lesson resonates far beyond politics, touching people wherever they are and whoever they may be.

We are eternally thankful to the interim government, and to Professor Muhammad Yunus and his Cabinet, whose leadership and swift coordination made it possible to arrange such an honourific farewell in such a short time.

To the international community, our neighbours, friends, diplomats, and partners around the world, you have warmed our hearts with your compassion and solidarity. The presence of dignitaries at the funeral, the letters and messages of condolence, the words written in condolence books, the countless expressions shared through social media, and official statements by leaders, local missions in Bangladesh, and organisations across the country has been incredible to see.

Once again, we are deeply grateful to all the servicemen and women involved, across the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies, across coordinating administrations and ministries. My family and I were truly touched by your sense of duty and care during my mother’s final farewell.

We remain grateful to all who helped ensure these days of mourning were conducted with dignity and care. I wish to offer special thanks to the President Guard Regiment, whose solemn guard of honour and final salute paid the highest tribute to my mother’s life and service. By escorting Begum Khaleda Zia with such respect to her final resting place, you embodied the nation’s reverence and ensured that her last journey was marked with the honour it deserved.

I am also mindful that many others, whose names or roles may not have been mentioned, contributed in countless ways to ensuring the day unfolded seamlessly. To all who served behind the scenes or beyond public view, please accept my heartfelt thanks. Your efforts made it possible, Alhamdulillah, for our family and for the nation to honour her memory with dignity.

And finally, to the people of Bangladesh. To see so many of you, from every corner of the nation, gather in reverence for my mother was something our family could never have anticipated. It was a powerful and unifying moment that reflected the compassion and shared humanity of our people.

On behalf of our family and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, we thank everyone who stood with us in grief and remembrance. Your kindness and solidarity have been a source of comfort and strength, and we carry them forward with gratitude.