BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that in the overwhelming outpouring of love following his mother’s death, he feels that the entire nation has become his family.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Tarique Rahman said that at this moment of grief he remembers his beloved father, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, and his younger brother Arafat Rahman Koko.
“Today, being embraced by the love of so many people, it feels as though the emptiness of losing my closest family members has been transcended, and the whole of Bangladesh has become my family,” he wrote.
Expressing deep sorrow and gratitude, Tarique Rahman said he has laid his mother, former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia—his first teacher in life—to rest beside his father, martyred President Ziaur Rahman.
“The void left by her absence is beyond words. Yet, in this most difficult moment, the extraordinary presence of the people of this country did not allow me to feel alone,” he said.
He wrote that he was deeply moved by the love and respect shown by countless party leaders and activists, well-wishers, family members and citizens.
“The way hundreds of thousands of people came together to pay their respects, to show love and stand beside us in this difficult time, reminded me once again that she was not only my mother; in many ways, she was the mother of the nation,” Tarique Rahman said.
He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to senior representatives from various South Asian countries, global diplomats and development partners who personally attended to pay tribute, as well as to all countries that conveyed their condolences.
“Your compassion has touched our hearts deeply,” he added.
Recalling his mother’s lifelong dedication to serving the people, Tarique Rahman said he now feels a profound sense of responsibility to carry forward her legacy.
“With sincerity and a sense of duty, I pledge that where my mother’s journey has ended, I will try to carry that journey forward—for those people whose love and trust gave her strength and inspiration until her last breath,” he wrote.
He concluded by praying for eternal peace for his mother’s soul and said that the boundless love, sacrifice and generosity she left behind should inspire strength, unity and patriotism among all.
