Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday, prompting nationwide mourning. Her funeral was held on Wednesday at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, conducted under tight security measures. The ceremony took place beside the grave of her late husband, Ziaur Rahman, drawing thousands of attendees who traveled by buses, trains, and private vehicles, with many staying overnight despite cold weather.
Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar attended the funeral to represent India and conveyed a letter of condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman. Upon arrival, Jaishankar met Rahman to express his sympathies personally. Religious rites were led by Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan recited her life history. Khaleda Zia’s son and Bangladesh Prime Minister Mohammed Yunus also participated in the prayers.
Khaleda Zia served as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. Her death has prompted nationwide prayers for the peace of her soul, with citizens and political leaders alike paying tribute to her contributions. The funeral was widely covered in the media, reflecting her longstanding influence on Bangladesh’s political landscape.
🚨 Khaleda Zia funeral
Large crowds gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka to pay last respects to former Bangladesh PM and BNP chief Khaleda Zia
Security arrangements were tightened as mourners continued to arrive from all parts of Bangladesh
Indian EAM S Jaishankar also in… pic.twitter.com/fci3qyUIBg
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