Dhaka (Rajeev Sharma): Dhaka witnessed an outpouring of grief on Wednesday as thousands gathered to bid farewell to former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 after battling a long-term illness. The government declared a three-day state mourning and observed a public holiday to honour the late leader.
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, will be laid to rest beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Her funeral has drawn international attention, with India sending External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to represent the government at the last rites.
The janaza prayer is set to be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, led by the khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, with BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan conducting the proceedings. Earlier, the BNP Standing Committee convened at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office, chaired by Tarique Rahman, to coordinate party-level arrangements for the funeral.
The government has announced that the state funeral will be conducted with full honours. Security has been intensified, with more than 10,000 police and Armed Police Battalion personnel deployed, supported by army units at strategic points across the capital.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police outlined the convoy route, which will carry her body from Evercare Hospital via major arteries including the 36 July Expressway, Kuril flyover, Kamal Ataturk Avenue, Airport Road, and Mohakhali flyover before entering the South Plaza through Gate No-6. Authorities have requested the public to cooperate as vehicular movement will be restricted along these routes.
Khaleda Zia’s political career spanned decades, including three terms as prime minister, during which she played a critical role in restoring democratic governance after years of military rule. Her passing marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political history, as citizens and leaders alike come together to honour her legacy.
