Thousands gather for funeral of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia

DHAKA: Funeral prayers for former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia were held today, drawing thousands of attendees including key government figures, foreign diplomats and high-level representatives from Pakistan.

The state funeral took place in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, where Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest with full state honors beside her late husband, former President Zia-ur-Rehman.

National and international dignitaries were present at the funeral prayers. From Pakistan, Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq attended the ceremony, representing the government and expressing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh in their time of grief.

Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin and head of the interim government Mohammad Yunus also attended, as the interim government observes a three-day mourning period for the national leader. Today has been declared a public holiday across the country.

Khaleda Zia, 80, passed away yesterday after a prolonged illness, during which she battled multiple health issues including heart and liver complications.

A towering figure in Bangladeshi politics, Khaleda Zia was the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the country’s principal opposition party. She served three terms as Prime Minister, becoming the first female prime minister of Bangladesh and the second female prime minister in the Muslim world.

During his visit, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq paid respects at Khaleda Zia’s residence and met with her son, Tariq Rahman, and daughter, offering condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan. He reiterated Pakistan’s support during this period of sorrow. Khaleda Zia’s children expressed their gratitude for his presence and sympathies.

The Speaker also met with Bangladesh National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman, conveying a message of sympathy and condolences from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The state funeral and nationwide mourning reflect Khaleda Zia’s significant role in Bangladesh’s political history and enduring legacy in regional politics.