First stop after swearing-in: Tarique at parents’ graveside

Hours after taking the oath as Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman made a symbolic visit to the resting place of his parents, choosing reflection over celebration as his first public act in office.

On Tuesday night, February 17, he went to Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, where his father, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, is buried. The grave of his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is also located there.

Arriving in the late afternoon, the Prime Minister laid floral wreaths at the graves and offered prayers. He stood in silence for several moments, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman and senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. 

Security was tightened in and around the area, though the atmosphere remained calm. Supporters described the visit as a gesture of gratitude and continuity, linking the new administration to the legacy of its founding figures.

This was Rahman’s first engagement after the oath-taking ceremony at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban earlier in the day. Party insiders said the visit had been planned in advance as a mark of respect and tradition.

Political observers noted that the choice of venue carried strong symbolic value, underscoring both personal tribute and political messaging at the start of a new chapter in the country’s leadership.