Nation waves final goodbye to uncompromising leader Khaleda Zia

The nation on Wednesday witnessed one of the largest public funerals in its history as millions of people gathered in the capital to bid a final farewell to uncompromising leader Begum Khaleda Zia, former prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who was laid to rest with full state honours.

From early morning, Dhaka turned into a city of mourning. Vast crowds poured into Manik Mia Avenue and the surrounding areas, creating a sea of people stretching several kilometres.

Mourners arrived from every corner of the country, travelling by road, rail, river and metro, many weeping openly as they waited for a final glimpse of the leader they regarded as a symbol of democratic resistance.

Despite biting winter cold, people began assembling from Tuesday night, filling pavements, roads and the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban complex by dawn. Many spent the night outdoors, holding national flags, party banners and portraits of Khaleda Zia, determined to be present for her final journey.

The namaz-e-janaza was held around 3:00 pm at Manik Mia Avenue, shortly after the coffin, draped in the national flag, was brought to the venue with state honours.

The funeral prayer was led by Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Khatib Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan read a brief biography of the late leader.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, foreign dignitaries, advisers of the interim government, senior political leaders, and top civil and military officials joined the prayers alongside millions of citizens from all walks of life.

Addressing the mourners, Tarique Rahman sought prayers for his mother, asking the nation to remember her and pray for her eternal peace.

Following the janaza, Khaleda Zia’s body was taken to Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, where she was buried beside the grave of her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The burial process began around 4:30 pm and concluded at approximately 4:50 pm.

A smartly turned-out contingent from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force rendered a state salute, including a three-gun volley, as the bugle sounded the Last Post.

Floral wreaths were placed on behalf of the President and the Chief Adviser, followed by tributes from Tarique Rahman and the chiefs of the three services. Family members, senior BNP leaders, advisers of the interim government and close associates stood in solemn silence during the final rites, after which doa and munajat were offered.

The funeral drew an extraordinary international presence, underscoring Khaleda Zia’s regional and global stature. Among those who paid their respects were Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Bhutanese Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, and Maldives Minister Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed.

The foreign guests conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Bangladesh, describing their attendance as a mark of respect and enduring friendship.

Law enforcement agencies deployed extensive security measures across the capital, with medical teams, ambulances, water distribution points and temporary shelters set up for the massive crowd. Although metro rail stations experienced heavy congestion, authorities said the overall situation remained under control.

Begum Khaleda Zia died at 6:00 am on Tuesday at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She had been suffering from multiple health complications, including heart, lung, liver and kidney ailments, diabetes and pneumonia, and had a permanent pacemaker.

The interim government has declared three days of state mourning from Wednesday to Friday. The national flag is being flown at half-mast at all government and private institutions and at Bangladesh missions abroad. The BNP has announced a seven-day mourning programme, hoisting black flags at party offices nationwide, opening condolence books and arranging prayers in her memory.

Born in Dinajpur in 1945, Khaleda Zia entered politics after the assassination of her husband in 1981 and went on to lead the BNP through years of political upheaval. She became Bangladesh’s first female prime minister in 1991, playing a key role in restoring parliamentary democracy and shaping the country’s modern political landscape. She is survived by her elder son Tarique Rahman, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren.

As the nation mourns, the scenes from Dhaka reflected not only grief but also the enduring imprint of a leader whose life remained deeply intertwined with the nation’s political history.