NewKerala.com

Bangladesh Bids Farewell to Former PM Khaleda Zia in State Funeral

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka following a state funeral. Thousands of mourners, including BNP supporters from across the country, gathered to pay their final respects at the Namaz-e-Janaza led by the national mosque's khatib. The 80-year-old leader, who served three terms as prime minister and was instrumental in restoring democracy, died after a prolonged illness, prompting a three-day period of national mourning. Global tributes poured in from leaders including India's Narendra Modi, while the UN, US, and other nations acknowledged her contributions to Bangladesh's democratic development.

Key Points: Khaleda Zia Laid to Rest in Dhaka State Funeral

  • State funeral at Parliament
  • Thousands of mourners gather
  • Global tributes from Modi, UN, US
  • First woman PM of Bangladesh
2 min read

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia laid to rest at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia buried beside husband Ziaur Rahman. Thousands mourn as nation observes state mourning and global tributes pour in.

"A towering figure in national politics – on Khaleda Zia's legacy"

Dhaka, December 31

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest on Wednesday beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, according to Daily Star.

Khaleda Zia was laid to rest following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday, the report said.

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus offered condolences to Tarique Rahman.

On behalf of the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, his Military Secretary, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, placed a wreath at the grave of Begum Khaleda Zia on Wednesday.

Thousands gathered to pay their final respects to the veteran leader.

According to The Daily Star, the funeral prayer was led by the khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan oversaw the proceedings.

From early morning, Manik Mia Avenue witnessed a steady influx of mourners, with BNP leaders and party activists arriving from across Dhaka and districts such as Feni, Brahmanbaria, Mymensingh, Cumilla, Gazipur, Munshiganj and Narayanganj to attend the Namaz-e-Janaza.

Muhammad Yunus reached the Parliament Complex to join the funeral prayers and offer his last respects.

The funeral drew wide regional attention, with several South Asian nations dispatching senior representatives to Dhaka to attend the state funeral, The Daily Star reported.

Earlier in the day, the body of Khaleda Zia was brought to her Gulshan residence, Firoza, where family members and close relatives gathered ahead of the funeral.

Bangladesh observed a public holiday on Wednesday and has begun a three-day period of state mourning.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first woman prime minister, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. A towering figure in national politics, she served three terms as prime minister and played a key role in restoring democracy after years of military rule.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia's death, extending condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh, and recalling his meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015.

Tributes were also paid by leaders from Pakistan, Nepal and several other countries, while the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, Russia, China and several diplomatic missions acknowledged Khaleda Zia's contributions to Bangladesh's political and democratic development.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Very sad news. She was a formidable leader and the first woman PM of Bangladesh. The images of thousands paying respects are moving. Wishing strength to her family and the people of Bangladesh.
R
Rohit P
A complex legacy, no doubt. She had her controversies but also played a key role in their political history. India-Bangladesh relations saw many phases during her tenure. Hoping for continued stability in our neighboring nation.
P
Priya S
Om Shanti. A three-day state mourning shows the respect she commanded. As an Indian, I feel for our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh today. Losing a leader, irrespective of political differences, is always a moment for reflection.
V
Vikram M
While we offer condolences, it's also a moment to think about the nature of dynastic politics in South Asia. Her son Tarique Rahman is a central figure now. The future of Bangladesh's democracy is what we should watch closely.
N
Nikhil C
The regional attention mentioned—from Pakistan, Nepal, China, US—shows how important Bangladesh is geopolitically. India has a special relationship with them. Hope this event doesn't lead to any political vacuum or instability.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50