BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Advise and Advisers of the interim government, members of the armed forces, law-enforcement agencies, government officials and media professionals for their role in ensuring a dignified and orderly farewell to his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
“In yesterday's (Tuesday’s) moments of deep personal loss, I want to speak from the heart and thank the many individuals whose care and professionalism helped the country conduct itself through my mother’s final farewell,” he said in a post on his Facebook page.
Tarique said he is deeply grateful to the officers and personnel of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force who stood with dignity and diligence throughout the day.
“Many of you were on duty for long hours, ensuring order and calm while remaining mindful of the grief that surrounded us. Your conduct reflected not only discipline, but kindness,” he said.
The BNP leader also expressed his sincere thanks to the men and women serving across the country’s security and law-enforcement agencies, including the Home Adviser’s office, the Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and VDP, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Armed Police Battalion (APBN), saying they worked patiently and respectfully to help millions of people gather and return safely, allowing families to mourn and pay their respects in peace.
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He expressed gratitude to the often unseen personnel of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the Special Branch (SB), saying their vigilance helped ensure security and the smooth conduct of the day.
He acknowledged the many public servants and staff working at the National Security Adviser’s office, PSO AFD, the Directorate General of the Special Security Force (SSF), and teams from the ministries of Housing and Public Works, Information and Broadcasting, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Cultural Affairs, and Religious Affairs, saying their thoughtful coordination and steady presence helped ensure that the entire process was handled with care.
“I am grateful to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose thoughtful efforts helped ensure that senior dignitaries from abroad were able to personally convey the condolences of their respective countries. Their presence reflected the deep respect my mother was held in beyond our borders,” Tarique said.
Paying tribute to journalists, he said covering the funeral amid a massive crowd spread over several square kilometres was an immense challenge, yet media professionals from home and abroad carried out their duties with dedication and responsibility. “I extend my sincere respect and heartfelt thanks to all of them.”
The BNP leader also thanked Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and members of the advisory council for attending the funeral and guiding the day with care during a period of national mourning.
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“On behalf of my family, I thank each of you, not as institutions, but as people, for the empathy, respect, and sense of duty you showed at a time when we were grieving a great loss. Your efforts made it possible for our family, Alhamdilillah, and for the nation, to honour her memory with dignity,” he said.