Bangladesh entered a period of profound national mourning on Wednesday as the country bid farewell to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, one of the most influential and controversial figures in its political history. A state funeral was held in the capital, Dhaka, drawing enormous crowds from across the nation who gathered to pay tribute to Bangladesh’s first female head of government and a leader whose political career shaped the country for decades.
Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by political resilience, fierce rivalry, and enduring public support. She served three terms as prime minister and remained a central figure in Bangladeshi politics even during years of ill health, legal battles, and imprisonment. Her death prompted an outpouring of emotion nationwide, cutting across party lines and generations.
On the day of the funeral, flags were lowered to half-mast throughout the country as part of three days of national mourning declared by the interim government. Streets in Dhaka were lined with thousands of security personnel as Zia’s coffin, draped in the national flag, was carried in a solemn procession through the city. The atmosphere was somber yet reverent, as mourners stood silently, some holding flowers, others offering prayers, while many watched with tears in their eyes.
Citizens from all walks of life traveled long distances to attend the funeral procession. Among them was Minhaz Uddin, a 70-year-old retired government official, who said that despite never having voted for Khaleda Zia, he felt compelled to honor her contributions to the nation. “I came with my grandson to say goodbye to a veteran politician whose work will always be remembered,” he said. His presence reflected a broader sentiment among many Bangladeshis who acknowledged Zia’s role in the country’s history regardless of political affiliation.
For many women, Khaleda Zia’s leadership held particular significance. As Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, she became a symbol of women’s political participation in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Mourners repeatedly highlighted her efforts to expand educational opportunities for girls, especially through stipend programs that encouraged families to keep their daughters in school. Sharmina Siraj, a 40-year-old mother of two, credited those initiatives with changing lives. “Khaleda Zia has been an inspiration,” she said. “The stipends she introduced for girls’ education have had a huge impact on our lives and the future of our daughters.”
The funeral also carried regional and international significance. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq of Pakistan traveled to Dhaka to attend the ceremony, marking a notable diplomatic engagement. During his visit, he met with Khaleda Zia’s children and conveyed condolences on behalf of the Pakistani government and people. He also held discussions with senior Bangladeshi officials, including the national security adviser and the adviser for law, justice, and parliamentary affairs, underscoring the broader diplomatic dimension of the event.
Khaleda Zia’s political journey was inseparable from Bangladesh’s turbulent modern history. Widowed after the assassination of her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, in 1981, she entered politics and eventually rose to lead the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Over the years, she became the central rival of Sheikh Hasina, a rivalry that defined the country’s political landscape for decades. Despite recurring health crises and periods of incarceration, Zia remained politically active and defiant, repeatedly vowing to return to public life.
Even in her final months, she had expressed determination to participate in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February. Her resolve gained renewed attention following the fall of her long-time rival Sheikh Hasina from power last year. The BNP continues to be regarded as a formidable political force, and attention has increasingly turned to Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, who recently returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile. Many within the party view him as a potential candidate for prime minister, signaling continuity of the Zia political legacy.
At the funeral, supporters voiced confidence that Khaleda Zia’s influence would endure beyond her death. Jenny Parvez, a 37-year-old attendee who traveled with her family to witness the procession, summed up the mood among many mourners. “She is no more, but her legacy lives on—and so does the BNP,” she said.
Following the state ceremony, Khaleda Zia’s coffin was prepared for burial alongside her late husband, Ziaur Rahman, honoring their shared place in the nation’s political history. In a statement released after her death, Tarique Rahman paid tribute to his mother’s strength and perseverance. He said she had endured repeated arrests, political persecution, and medical neglect, yet remained steadfast in her beliefs. Her spirit, he said, was “unbreakable,” even in the face of immense personal and political hardship.
In a striking reminder of her lifelong commitment to politics, party workers had submitted Khaleda Zia’s nomination papers for three constituencies in the upcoming elections just hours before her death. The move symbolized both her determination and the party’s belief in her leadership until the very end.
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Condolences poured in from around the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Khaleda Zia’s vision and legacy, acknowledging her role in shaping Bangladesh’s political identity. India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is expected to attend the funeral, marking the highest-level Indian visit to Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina’s removal from office. Senior officials from Pakistan are also scheduled to attend, further emphasizing the regional importance of Zia’s passing.
As Bangladesh reflects during the days of national mourning, Khaleda Zia’s life and career continue to spark debate, admiration, and reflection. To her supporters, she was a symbol of resilience and leadership; to critics, a polarizing figure in a deeply divided political system. Yet even her critics acknowledge that her impact on the nation is undeniable. In death, as in life, Khaleda Zia remains a central figure in the story of Bangladesh—one whose legacy will be discussed and remembered for generations to come.