Family members of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia paid tribute at their graves at Zia Udyan in the capital on Friday morning.

The family, including Khaleda Zia’s granddaughter Zaima Rahman, visited the mausoleum around 10:30am to offer prayers and pay their respects.

Among those present were Shamila Rahman, wife of Khaleda Zia’s younger son the late Arafat Rahman Koko, along with Zaima Rahman, Jahia Rahman and other family members.

Standing beside the graves, the family members recited verses from the Holy Quran and offered special prayers and munajat. They remained at the site for about 20 minutes before leaving.

The graves had been opened to the general public for ziarat and prayers from after the Fajr prayers earlier in the day. However, public entry was temporarily restricted for about an hour in view of the family’s visit.

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Following her janaza on Wednesday at Manik Mia Avenue, she was laid to rest with state honours beside the grave of her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman.