Dhaka : Bangladesh witnessed an outpouring of sorrow as former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest in a state funeral on Wednesday. Dhaka’s streets were filled with massive crowds, turning into a somber procession for a leader who had profoundly influenced the nation’s politics for decades.
Zia, who made history as the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in Bangladesh, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. In a gesture of respect, the national flag flew at half-mast nationwide, while extensive security measures were taken along the capital’s main roads as her coffin, wrapped in the national flag, was transported through the city.
Thousands of people gathered near the parliament and along nearby streets, holding national flags and banners of her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as they awaited the funeral prayers. Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, also arrived in Dhaka to attend the prayers for the former premier.
Despite battling serious health issues and spending years in detention, Zia remained determined to stay politically active ahead of the upcoming February 12 elections. These elections will be the first since last year’s protests, which led to the removal of her long-time political rival, Sheikh Hasina.
The BNP is considered a leading contender in the elections, and Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman (60), who returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, is seen as a strong candidate for prime minister if the party emerges victorious.
The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, announced three days of national mourning and organized a full state funeral for Zia.
Large crowds gathered outside the parliament building, many waving both national and BNP flags, as Zia’s coffin arrived for the final prayers. Yunus described her as a “great protector” of the nation.
Zia was buried next to her late husband, Ziaur Rahman, the former president who was assassinated in 1981 during his tenure.
In a heartfelt statement, Tarique Rahman expressed the nation’s grief over the loss of a leader who had been a pivotal force in Bangladesh’s democratic movement. He highlighted her unwavering determination, noting that she had endured repeated arrests, medical neglect, and relentless persecution, but never gave up.
Zia had been admitted to the hospital in late November, where her health continued to deteriorate despite ongoing treatment. Just hours before her passing, party members had submitted nomination papers in her name for three constituencies in the upcoming elections.
In 2018, she was imprisoned on corruption charges under Hasina’s government, which also prevented her from seeking medical treatment abroad. She was released last year following Hasina’s political downfall.
In a brief message on social media, Hasina, leader of the now-banned Awami League, offered prayers for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul.
