BNP Chairperson and Leader of the Opposition in parliament Khaleda Zia yesterday visited the children and family members of late Rina Begum at their South Jatrabari residence in the city.

Rina, a housewife, was killed in police firing while she was standing on the first floor corridor of her residence during Sunday’s countrywide hartal.

Later, Khaleda Zia also visited the residence of Juba Dal activist Zakir Hossain, killed during Tuesday’s hartal and also that of local BNP leader and Ward Commissioner Nabiullah Nabi, injured in police firing on Monday. Their residences are also in Jatrabari area.

The entire Shekherpara and South Jatrabari areas in the city wore a mourning look with black flags atop buildings and on roadsides. Opposition ac- tivists and a large number of local people were also seen wearing black badges.

A large number of people and opposition activists gathered when Khaleda Zia arrived there.

Family members of late Rina Begum burst into tears when Khaleda Zia arrived at their residence. She consoled Rina's husband Sabui Ahmed and other family members. She also took Rina's two-year-old daughter Ria and 7-year-old son Anik on her lap and comforted them. She stayed at the house for sometime and inquired about them.

The body of Zakir Hossain was brought from hospital when Khaleda Zia went at his house. She prayed for salvation of the departed soul and consoled the bereaved family members.

Later, addressing the local people and party activists briefly in front of Rina's paternal house. Khaleda Zia said the government wants to stay in power by killing innocent people and opposition activists.

"But tbe days of this autocratic government are numbered. It will not be able to stay in power because people have united to dislodge it immediately." she said.

She blamed police for killing Rina and ruling party "terrorists" for killing Zakir Ahmed.

She condemned the killings and demanded proper investigation and punishment of the killers.

She called upon the people to give a befitting reply to government's "atrocities" by inten-sifying the Opposition movement for its resignation.

The former prime minister said a memorial plaque will be constructed for of Rina Begum if the BNP is voted to power again.

The BNP Chairperson was accompanied by party leaders M'rza Abbas. Amanullah Aman MP. Nazimuddin AI >m MP. city BNP joint convenor Abdus Salam. Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan and Emran Saleh Prince.