Farida Begum passed away at the age of 74 after suddenly falling ill at her residence around 12:30am on Saturday. She was rushed to Continental Hospital in Gulshan, where doctors on duty declared her dead. She is survived by four sons, grandchildren, relatives and numerous well-wishers.
Speaking about his mother, Liaquat Ali Khan Mukul became emotional as he recalled his close relationship with her.
“Wherever I stayed, I would visit my mother every day,” he said.
Recalling his mother’s affection, Mukul said she always loved and cared for him. Whenever he was near her, she would affectionately kiss him.
He said it was difficult for him to accept that the woman who had always been a source of love and affection was no longer with them.
Before the funeral prayer, Mukul addressed the worshippers and requested them to pray for his mother. He also asked anyone who might have been hurt by anything she had said or done to forgive her.
Overcome with emotion while recalling his mother, he said, “She is no longer among us.”
Mukul said his mother had performed Hajj and Umrah. He appealed to everyone to pray that Almighty Allah forgive all her shortcomings and grant her Jannatul Ferdous.
Amid his grief, Mukul also said he would take responsibility for settling any outstanding dues and obligations left by his mother.
He expressed gratitude for the role his mother had played in keeping her four sons together and supporting the family throughout her life.
Many people attending the funeral were visibly moved as Mukul recalled his mother’s life and expressed his deep love and respect for her.
Family members also requested prayers for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Farida Begum’s soul.
Among those present at the funeral were her grandson Mahir Ali Khan Ratul, co-chairman of Rupayan Group and publisher of Desh Rupantor; her son Ali Akbar Khan Ratan, vice-chairman of Rupayan Group; her grandson Saif Ali Khan Atul, vice-chairman of Rupayan Group; and other family members.
Farida Begum’s death has cast a shadow of mourning over Rupayan Group and its affiliated organisations.
Government ministers, business leaders, social organisations and people from various walks of life expressed deep condolences following her death. Many rushed to the hospital after learning of her death and later attended the funeral and burial to offer their condolences to Mukul and other family members.
They prayed for the forgiveness and eternal peace of the departed soul.
Among those who expressed condolences were Information and Broadcasting Minister Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Maasranga Television Managing Director Anjan Chowdhury Pintoo, Desh Rupantor Editor Mustafiz Shafi and Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma.
Various organisations, including Dhaka Club Limited, the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), and the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO), also expressed their condolences.
A number of prominent figures from different professions attended the funeral and offered their sympathies, including Daily Agamir Shomoy Editor Mostafa Mamun, REHAB Senior Vice-President Abdur Razzaq, architect Rafiq Azam, US-Bangla Airlines Managing Director Abdullah Al Mamun, actor Nader Chowdhury and former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Advocate Mohammad Tajul Islam.
Officials and employees of Rupayan Group, government institutions and people from various walks of life also attended the funeral and joined in prayers for Farida Begum.
