BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday sought prayers from the people of the country for his late mother, party chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Speaking briefly at Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza, Tarique said, “I am Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of the late Begum Khaleda Zia. If she took any loan from any of you during her lifetime, please contact me. I will make arrangements to repay it, Insha’Allah.”

He added, “At the same time, if anyone was hurt by any of her behaviour or words during her lifetime, then on behalf of the departed, I seek forgiveness from you.”

Tarique Rahman also requested the nation to pray for his mother, saying, “Please pray so that Allah Almighty grants her paradise.”

The namaz-e-janaza of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was held at 3pm on Wednesday at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, with millions of people joining the funeral prayers.

Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Khatib Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek conducted the funeral prayers, while BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan read out a brief biography of Begum Zia.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury joined the prayers, along with foreign dignitaries, advisers to the interim government, the chiefs of the three services, family members and relatives, leaders of different political parties, and senior civil and military officers.