Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), along with members of the public, are continuing to visit the grave of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to offer prayers and pay their respects.

The entrance to Zia Udyan was opened to visitors shortly after 12:00 pm on Thursday. Even before that, crowds had gathered from around 11:00 am, hoping to visit the grave. Due to security measures, however, entry was temporarily restricted. Access was later allowed around midday.

Once the gates were opened, BNP supporters and ordinary citizens proceeded to the grave, many placing flowers and offering prayers. Several visitors were seen reciting supplications in silence.

A significant number of those present had travelled from outside Dhaka. Fatema Sharmin from Munshiganj said she came simply to touch the soil of the grave, despite not being involved in BNP politics. Zahidul Islam, president of the Panchagarh district BNP, was also among those who came to pay tribute.

Earlier in the day, police had set up barricades at the entrance to Zia Udyan, and movement on the adjacent road was restricted. A police officer on duty said the restrictions were enforced under strict instructions. Traffic in front of the park was gradually restored after 11:00 am.

After the gates reopened at noon, visitors again began entering the park. Observers noted that a large portion of those attending were women.

Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Her funeral prayers and burial were held on Wednesday, attended by a large number of people from across the political spectrum. Following the funeral, she was laid to rest at Zia Udyan beside the grave of her husband, former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.