Dhaka (Web Desk): Bangladesh on Wednesday witnessed an outpouring of grief as former prime minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest in a state funeral, with massive crowds turning Dhaka’s streets into a solemn procession for a leader who shaped the nation’s politics for generations.
Zia, who made history as the first woman to serve as prime minister of the country of 170 million people, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. As a mark of respect, the national flag flew at half-mast across the country, while heavy security was deployed along the capital’s main routes as her coffin, wrapped in the national colours, was carried through the city.
Thousands gathered near parliament and along the surrounding roads, many holding Bangladeshi flags and banners of her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), ahead of funeral prayers offered over her coffin. Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also arrived in Dhaka to attend the prayer ceremony for the former premier.
Despite prolonged illness and years spent in detention, Zia had remained determined to stay politically active ahead of elections scheduled for February 12, the first since mass protests last year forced the downfall of her long-time rival, Sheikh Hasina.
The BNP is widely regarded as a leading contender, and Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, 60, who returned only last week after 17 years in exile, is seen as a possible prime minister should the party secure victory.
The interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus announced three days of national mourning and organised a full state funeral.
Large crowds assembled outside parliament, many waving national and party flags, where her coffin arrived for the start of prayers. Yunus said the country had “lost a great guardian.”
Zia will be buried alongside her late husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981 while in office.
In a statement, Tarique Rahman said the nation was grieving the loss of a guiding force who had played a central role in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations.
He said his mother had endured repeated arrests, denial of medical care and constant persecution, but that her strength and resolve never faltered.
Suffering from multiple health complications, Zia was taken to hospital in late November, where her condition steadily worsened despite treatment. Even so, only hours before her death, party workers on Monday submitted nomination papers in her name for three constituencies in next year’s elections.
Zia had been imprisoned on corruption charges in 2018 under Hasina’s government, which also prevented her from travelling abroad for medical treatment. She was released last year shortly after Hasina was forced from office.
In a brief statement shared on social media by her now-banned Awami League, Hasina said she prayed for eternal peace and forgiveness for Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul.