A quiet stream of mourners flowed into the capital on Thursday as the graves of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia were opened to the public, turning the Jia Uddyan into a place of remembrance, prayer and reflection.

From shortly after midday, people of all ages began arriving at the mausoleum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, offering floral wreaths, reciting verses from the Holy Qur’an and praying for the eternal peace of the departed leader. 

For many, it was a deeply emotional moment—an opportunity to stand close to the resting place of a woman they regard as one of the most influential figures in Bangladesh’s political history.

On the ground, scenes of quiet devotion unfolded. Some visitors stood solemnly with flowers in hand, while others sat on the grass, softly reciting the Qur’an. Many had travelled from distant parts of the country, united by a shared desire to pray for the forgiveness of Begum Zia’s soul.

Since early morning, ordinary citizens alongside party leaders and activists had gathered at Jia Uddyan, hoping to catch a glimpse of what many described as the grave of an “uncompromising leader of democracy”. 

However, due to the absence of formal permission earlier in the day, police restricted entry to the inner area. Unable to proceed further, several mourners remained on the roadside, offering prayers from a distance.

The public opening of the grave came a day after Begum Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband, martyred President Ziaur Rahman. Her funeral prayer was held on Wednesday afternoon at Manik Mia Avenue, where thousands gathered to bid farewell. The janaza was led by Mufti Abdul Malek, Khatib of the national mosque, Baitul Mukarram.

Later that afternoon, at around 4:30 pm, Begum Zia was buried next to her husband’s grave. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman sprinkled soil on the grave, followed by her daughter-in-law Zubaida Rahman, Shamila Rahman, grandson Zaima Rahman, and the two daughters of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko—Jahia Rahman and Jafia Rahman.

Begum Khaleda Zia had been undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since 23 November. Her condition had remained critical despite continuous medical intervention. She passed away at around 6:00 am on Tuesday, 30 December, marking the end of an era in the country’s political landscape.

As the gates of the mausoleum opened, grief, respect and remembrance converged—reflecting the enduring legacy of a leader whose life and politics continue to shape national discourse, even in death.