BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, currently navigating a period of profound loneliness following the loss of his beloved mother, expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming sympathy and love received from people across the country.
Acknowledging that the support of the nation has helped fill the void left by his mother’s passing, Rahman remarked that "the whole of Bangladesh" has now become his family. He further pledged to carry forward the unfinished journey of his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia.
The BNP Acting Chairman shared these sentiments in an emotional post on his verified Facebook page around 10:00 AM on Thursday (January 1).
A Nation’s Mother
In his post, Tarique Rahman wrote:
"With deep grief and gratitude, I have laid to rest my dear mother—my first teacher and three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia—beside my father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The void left by her absence is beyond words. Yet, in this difficult hour, the unprecedented presence of the people has not allowed me to feel alone."
He noted that he was deeply moved by the love and respect shown by countless activists, well-wishers, and citizens. "The way millions gathered to show their respect and stand by us reminds me once again: she was not just my mother; in many ways, she was the mother of the entire nation."
International Solidarity
The Acting Chairman also extended his thanks to the international community. High-ranking representatives from South Asian countries, global diplomats, and development partners attended the funeral rites in person to pay their respects. "I am deeply grateful to the countries that expressed their condolences. Your sympathy has touched our hearts deeply," he wrote.
A Pledge to the People
Reflecting on his loss, Rahman remembered his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and his brother, Arafat Rahman Koko. He stated that the outpouring of affection has made him feel that, despite losing his immediate kin, the entire country has stepped in to become his family.
"My mother dedicated her life to the service of the people. Today, I feel the weight of that responsibility and legacy profoundly," Rahman stated. He committed himself to continuing her mission: "I pledge with dedication and accountability to pick up where my mother left off—for the people whose love and faith gave her strength and inspiration until her final breath."
He concluded his message with a prayer for his mother’s soul, hoping that the examples of sacrifice and patriotism she left behind would continue to provide the nation with strength and unity.
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