Millions of people from across Bangladesh attended the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.
The Janaza began around 3:00 pm while the coffin wrapped in the national flag was brought to the venue around 2:45 pm with full state honour.
Standing Committee Member of BNP Nazrul Islam Khan read out a brief biography of the late leader while Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Khatib Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek conducted the funeral prayers.
BNP Acting Chairman and elder son of the deceased, Tarique Rahman, sought prayers for his mother’s eternal peace, asking people to pray so that Allah grants her Jannat.
"I am Tarique Rahman, elder son of late Begum Khaleda Zia . . . please pray for my mother so that Allah grant her the Jannat," Tarique told the gathering prior to the Janaza.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, foreign dignitaries, advisers of the interim government, chiefs of the three services, leaders of different political parties, senior civil and military officials, and family members joined the funeral prayers.
From Tuesday night, all major roads leading to Manik Mia Avenue were packed as mourners travelled from far flung areas of the country by bus, train, launch and metro rail and other modes of transports. Many spent the night outdoors near the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban complex to secure a place. Scenes of deep sorrow were visible as thousands wept openly, holding national flags, party banners and portraits of Begum Zia.
Law enforcement agencies tightened security across the area, deploying medical teams, ambulances, water distribution points and temporary shelters.
Metro rail stations saw heavy congestion as additional MRT Police were deployed at key stations, while authorities said the overall situation remained under control.
Mourners from all walks of life—including farmers, students, teachers, government employees and political activists—described Begum Zia as a guardian of the nation and a symbol of democratic resistance. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged leaders and supporters to maintain discipline, calling the farewell a moment of national mourning.
Following the janaza, Begum Khaleda Zia’s body was taken to Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, where she will be laid to eternal rest beside her husband Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with full state honour. The burial ceremony will be restricted to invited guests due to elaborate state arrangements.
Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister, passed away at 6:00 am on Tuesday at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.
Elected Prime Minister for the first time in 1991 through a popular vote, she played a crucial role in country’s transition to parliamentary democracy and introducing the caretaker government system.
She is survived by her elder son Tarique Rahman, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren. Her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko died in 2015.
The interim government has declared three days of state mourning from Wednesday to Friday in honour of the late leader.
