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Bangladesh on Wednesday bade farewell to former prime minister Khaleda Zia, as thousands gathered in Dhaka for a state funeral that reflected her long and influential political career. Khaleda Zia, among the first women to serve as prime minister of the South Asian nation, died on Tuesday at the age of 80.
Flags flew at half-mast across the country as her body was carried through the streets of Dhaka draped in the national flag.
Heavy security was deployed while large crowds assembled outside parliament, many holding national flags and banners of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Funeral prayers were held in the afternoon, drawing supporters, political figures and ordinary citizens.
She will be laid to rest alongside her late husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981.
Crowds remember a defining political figure
Mourners from across the country attended the funeral, reflecting on her decades-long role in shaping Bangladesh’s politics.
Retired official Minhaz Uddin said he came to pay respects despite never voting for her, calling her a veteran leader whose contributions would be remembered.
Others highlighted her impact on women’s empowerment. Sharmina Siraj said stipends introduced during Zia’s tenure to support girls’ education had a lasting effect, adding that Zia inspired many women to believe in leadership roles.
Despite years of illness and imprisonment, she had planned to campaign in elections scheduled for February.
Her party is widely seen as a frontrunner, with her son Tarique Rahman emerging as a key political figure following his return from exile.
Regional condolences and political legacy
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq attended the funeral and conveyed condolences on behalf of Pakistan’s leadership and people.
Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus declared three days of national mourning, calling Zia a “great guardian” of the nation.
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