Bangladesh Holds State Funeral for Khaleda Zia as Thousands Gather in Dhaka
Bangladesh held a state funeral on Wednesday for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as massive crowds filled the streets of Dhaka to mourn one of the country’s most influential political leaders.
Zia, who served as prime minister three times and became Bangladesh’s first woman to hold the office, died on Tuesday at the age of 80. Following her death, the government lowered national flags to half-mast, marking a day of official mourning across the country.
Crowds Line Streets for Final Farewell
Thousands of mourners gathered along Dhaka’s main roads as security personnel lined the route taken by Zia’s flag-draped coffin. The procession passed through key parts of the capital under tight security arrangements.
Meanwhile, large crowds assembled near the parliament building on Manik Mia Avenue, where funeral prayers took place. People travelled from Dhaka and nearby regions from early morning to pay their final respects.
Public Respect Beyond Political Lines
Among the mourners was retired government official Minhaz Uddin, 70, who attended the funeral with his grandson despite never having voted for Zia.
“I came here simply to say goodbye to a veteran leader whose contributions to the country will always be remembered,” he said, standing behind a barricade near the venue.
A Political Career That Shaped a Nation
Zia entered politics after the assassination of her husband and rose to prominence while opposing military rule. She played a key role in the movement that led to the downfall of the military government in 1990.
In 1991, she won a landslide election victory following the restoration of parliamentary democracy and became prime minister. She later continued to lead the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) until her death.
Rivalry That Defined an Era
Known for her calm public presence, Zia shared a long-standing political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Bangladesh Awami League. Hasina ruled the country for 15 years before her government fell during a mass uprising in 2024.
As Bangladesh bids farewell to Khaleda Zia, supporters and critics alike acknowledge her lasting impact on the nation’s political history.
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