Ershad's 3rd janaza held at Baitul Mokarram

The third namaz-e-janaza of Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad was held at the National Mosque Baitul Mokarram on Monday, reports UNB.

The janaza took place after Asr prayers with the participation of people from all walks of life, including politicians from different parties.

Before the janaza, Jatiya Party secretary general Moshiur Rahman Ranga read out a life sketch of former military ruler Ershad.

In a brief address, party acting chairman GM Quader recalled his brother's various steps in favour of Islam. "As a man, he might have made mistakes in his words and actions. I, on behalf of my brother, urge all to forgive him."

Ershad's body was taken to the national mosque premises from Jatiya Party's Kakrail central around 5.00pm.

Earlier in the morning, his second janaza was held under the tunnel of South Plaza of parliament.

President Abdul Hamid, ministers, members of parliament, senior political leaders from different political parties attended the janaza.

The President paid tributes to Ershad, also the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, by placing a wreath on his coffin.

On behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her military secretary Major General Mia Mohammad Zainul Abedin paid homage to the Jatiya Party chief by placing a wreath at his coffin.

A wreath was also placed at Ershad's coffin on behalf of Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.

Later, Deputy Speaker M Fazley Rabbi Mia and Chief Whip Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury paid homage to him.

On behalf of ruling Awami League, its senior leaders paid tributes to Ershad by placing a wreath at his coffin.

Deputy Opposition Leader and Jatiya Party Cochairman Begum Raushon Ershad and Jatiya Party Acting chairman GM Quader along with party senior leaders also paid homage to Ershad.

Prior to the janaza there, Ershad's wife Begum Raushon Ershad, his younger brother GM Quader and Awami League advisory council member Tofail Ahmed delivered brief addresses there.

Ershad's body was kept at the CMH mortuary overnight on Monday. It will be flown to his home district Rangpur today (Tuesday) where his fourth janaza will be held at the Zila School ground. He is supposed to be laid to rest at the Military Graveyard in city's Banani the same day.

Ershad's Qulkhwani will be held on Wednesday at Gulshan's Azad mosque.