Nationwide absentee funeral prayers held for Khaleda Zia

Absentee funeral prayers (gayebana janaza) for BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia were held across districts of the country on Wednesday, with participation from people of all walks of life.

Organised by the BNP alongside local residents, the prayers were held simultaneously in different districts, accompanied by doa mahfils seeking eternal peace for her departed soul.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday morning while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Her namaz-e-janaza was held on Wednesday noon at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital amid a massive gathering of mourners. She was later laid to rest with state honours beside the grave of her husband, former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in the afternoon.

Rangpur

A large absentee funeral prayer was held at Rangpur Central Eidgah with the participation of leaders and activists of various political parties, government officials and thousands of worshippers. The prayer was organised by the local BNP and led by Maulana Md Hamidul Islam. Separate doa mahfils were also held at Begum Rokeya University, while traders observed a half-day closure of shops as a mark of respect.

Rajshahi

In Rajshahi, absentee funeral prayers were held at several locations, including Tikapara Eidgah ground, followed by special prayers. Similar prayers took place in different upazilas, such as Godagari and Tanore. Rajshahi University and RUET observed mourning programmes, with university teachers, officials and students joining the prayers.

Sylhet

In Sylhet, an absentee funeral prayer was held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium under the initiative of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, attended by BCB officials, BPL players and journalists. Another prayer was held later at the Central Shaheed Minar. Half-day shutdowns of shops and businesses were observed in parts of the city.

Mymensingh

Thousands gathered at Ishwarganj in Mymensingh for a large absentee funeral prayer held at the local playground. The city also observed a shutdown of business establishments, while doa mahfils and Quran khatams were organised by BNP leaders.

Bogura

A massive absentee funeral prayer was held at the historic Altafunnesa Playground in Bogura. The city witnessed widespread closure of shops, businesses and offices, while people gathered around large screens to watch the live broadcast of the janaza in Dhaka.

Chandpur

In Chandpur, absentee funeral prayers were held at Hasan Ali Government High School ground with participation from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP and other political organisations, alongside general citizens. Similar prayers were also held in Matlab South upazila.

Natore

At least 11 locations across Natore’s six upazilas hosted absentee funeral prayers. The largest gathering took place at Sri Sundari Pilot School and College ground in Lalpur upazila, with thousands attending.

Joypurhat

Absentee funeral prayers were held at different venues in Joypurhat, including Matrai High School and Khetlal Pilot High School grounds, followed by special munajat.

Barishal

Seven-day mourning programmes, including doa mahfils and Quran recitations, were launched at BNP offices across Barishal city. Absentee funeral prayers were also held in Uzirpur upazila.

Jhenaidah

In Jhenaidah, thousands attended an absentee funeral prayer at Shailkupa Degree College ground. The district BNP announced a seven-day mourning programme.

Dinajpur

Absentee funeral prayers were held in Hakimpur and Nawabganj upazilas, organised by local BNP units and attended by leaders, activists and general people.

Nilphamari

In Nilphamari’s Saidpur, an absentee funeral prayer was held in front of the BNP office, followed by doa and munajat. Shops and businesses remained closed for several hours.

Chattogram

Separate absentee funeral prayers were organised in Satkania and Lohagara upazilas of Chattogram, drawing participation from leaders and activists of BNP, Jamaat, NCP and local residents.

Feni

In Sonagazi of Feni, an absentee funeral prayer was held at a local school ground, followed by special prayers for the late leader.

Bhola

In Bhola’s Monpura, Quran khatams and doa mahfils were organised by BNP and its associate bodies, while business establishments in Bhola town remained closed until afternoon as a mark of respect.

The nationwide turnout at the absentee funeral prayers reflected the profound impact Begum Khaleda Zia had on Bangladesh’s political landscape and the deep respect she commanded among the people.