Thousands of mourners gathered early Wednesday outside Bangladesh’s national parliament complex in Dhaka to attend the funeral prayers of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, underscoring her enduring influence in the country’s political life.
The funeral ceremony was held at Manik Mia Avenue, adjacent to the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, where large crowds assembled from the early hours of the morning. According to the Associated Press, thousands were expected to attend the prayers before Khaleda Zia is laid to rest beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, with full state honours.
Political Leaders, Foreign Dignitaries in Attendance
The gathering included senior leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as well as political representatives and foreign dignitaries. The turnout reflected Khaleda Zia’s stature as a three-time prime minister and one of the most prominent figures in Bangladesh’s political history.
The funeral prayers began around 7:00 am, The Daily Star reported, with mourners continuing to arrive as the ceremony progressed.
India was represented at the funeral by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in Dhaka to convey condolences on behalf of the Indian government and people.
India was represented at the funeral by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in Dhaka to convey condolences on behalf of the Indian government and people. (Photo: S Jaishankar/X)
Confirming his presence, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah said Jaishankar acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s contributions to Bangladesh’s democratic journey and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties in the future. Jaishankar also met Zia’s son Tarique Rahman and handed him a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Hon. External Affairs Minister conveyed condolences of the people and Government of India as Bangladesh mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, recognised her contribution to democracy and expressed optimism to strengthen ties following democratic transition in Bangladesh through the upcoming election,” Hamidullah said in a post on X.
Final Resting Place Beside Ziaur Rahman
Following the funeral prayers, Khaleda Zia is to be buried beside the grave of her husband, Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the BNP and a former president of Bangladesh. The burial is being conducted with full state honours.
Her death has prompted nationwide mourning and tributes from political leaders across South Asia, marking the end of an era in Bangladesh’s politics.
