Bangladesh on Wednesday held a state funeral for former prime minister Khaleda Zia, as vast crowds gathered in Dhaka to mourn a leader whose career shaped the country’s politics for decades. Flags flew at half-mast nationwide, while thousands of security personnel lined major roads as her coffin was carried through the capital draped in the national flag.
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Khaleda Zia, the first woman to serve as prime minister of Bangladesh, died on Tuesday at the age of 80. She served three terms in office and remained a central figure in national politics for more than 40 years, often locked in intense rivalry with her long-time opponent Sheikh Hasina.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan, will represent Pakistan tomorrow at the funeral of Late Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka, Bangladesh. https://t.co/BBV93jK5a7
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) December 30, 2025
People from across the country travelled to Dhaka to pay their respects. Many said they came regardless of political affiliation, describing her as a towering political figure whose impact went beyond party lines. Several mourners highlighted her role in promoting education, particularly stipends for girls, which they said had a lasting social impact.
Despite years of illness and imprisonment, Zia had planned to remain politically active ahead of elections scheduled for February. Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is considered a strong contender, and her son Tarique Rahman, who recently returned from long exile, is widely viewed as a potential prime minister if the party secures a majority.
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, announced three days of national mourning and organised an elaborate state funeral. Prayers were held near parliament, where large crowds waving national and BNP flags gathered to witness the ceremony.
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Condolences poured in from regional and international leaders. Pakistan and India both announced senior-level representation at the funeral, underlining Zia’s regional stature. She will be laid to rest beside her late husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981, marking the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics.