The people of Bangladesh have bid a final farewell to former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia with unprecedented respect and love. She was laid to rest with full state honors beside the grave of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman. On behalf of the state, she was accorded a guard of honor.

Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is being taken for burial with full state honors. Photo: Courtesy of BNP Media Cell

Earlier, the funeral prayer (Janaza) of Begum Khaleda Zia was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building on Manik Mia Avenue. With the presence of millions of people, Manik Mia Avenue, the Parliament Building, and the surrounding areas became a sea of humanity. The Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Justice of Bangladesh, the Chiefs of the three wings of the armed forces, and leaders and activists of all political parties, along with people from all walks of life, participated in the funeral. Additionally, funeral prayers in absentia (Ghaibana Janaza) were held simultaneously across various parts of the country.
Wreaths were placed at the grave of Begum Khaleda Zia on behalf of the President and the Chief Adviser. Acting Chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman, paid tribute on behalf of the party. At that time, the chiefs of the three services also offered floral tributes. Tarique Rahman, along with family members, relatives, and top leaders of the BNP, took part in the funeral and burial process.

Tarique Zia, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), paid tribute at the grave of Begum Khaleda Zia on behalf of the party.

Representatives and ambassadors from various countries, including Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, attended the funeral. A profound shadow of grief descended upon the international arena as representatives from 33 countries paid their respects. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma, and Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungel personally handed over condolence messages from their respective heads of state and government to Tarique Rahman.
It is noteworthy that the BNP Chairperson and the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh passed away on August 30. Following her death, the nation is observing three days of state mourning, including a public holiday on Wednesday.