Khaleda Zia Funeral: Bangladesh Bids a Final Farewell to its First Female Prime Minister

​Today is a day of deep reflection and somber ceremony in Bangladesh. The nation has come to a standstill to bid a final, emotional farewell to Begum Khaleda Zia, the first woman to ever hold the office of Prime Minister in the country. After battling a long and difficult illness, the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party passed away on Tuesday morning, December 30, at the age of 80. Her death marks the end of a major era in South Asian politics, a period defined by her fierce leadership and her role in shaping the identity of modern Bangladesh.

​As the news of her passing spread, thousands of people began to gather in the capital city of Dhaka. From early morning on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the streets leading to the National Parliament Complex became a sea of mourners. The interim government has officially declared three days of state mourning and a general holiday to allow the public to pay their last respects. This gesture reflects the immense stature she held, not just as a political leader, but as a symbol of resilience for millions of her supporters.

​The Final Journey to Manik Mia Avenue

​The day’s proceedings began early as Begum Zia’s body was moved from the hospital to her residence in Gulshan, known as Firoza. It was a private moment for her family and close relatives to say their goodbyes before the public ceremony. Her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, who recently returned to the country after a long period in exile, has been the face of the family during this tragic time. Seeing him lead the family rituals added a layer of historical significance to the day, as many see him as the heir to her political legacy.

​By noon, the motorcade carrying her remains moved toward the South Plaza of the National Parliament. The route was lined with people, some weeping and others holding up portraits of the leader they affectionately called "Madam." The sheer volume of the crowd forced security forces to maintain a strict perimeter, but the atmosphere remained one of quiet respect. The funeral prayer, or Namaz-e-Janaza, was scheduled for 2:00 PM at Manik Mia Avenue, a location large enough to hold the vast numbers of citizens who arrived from across the country.

​India’s Presence: S. Jaishankar Joins the Mourners

​In a significant diplomatic gesture, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning to attend the funeral. Representing the government and the people of India, his presence highlights the importance of the relationship between the two neighboring nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier expressed his deep sadness, recalling his meetings with Khaleda Zia and acknowledging her contribution to the development of Bangladesh and the strengthening of bilateral ties.

​The visit of Jaishankar is being watched closely by political analysts. While India and Bangladesh have a complex history, the decision to send a high-ranking minister to the funeral shows a commitment to maintaining stable and respectful relations during this transition period in Bangladesh. Jaishankar was received at the airport by senior officials and proceeded directly to the funeral venue to pay his respects on behalf of New Delhi. His presence among other international dignitaries underscores the regional impact of Begum Zia’s political life.

​A Life Defined by Resilience and Rivalry

​To understand why today’s funeral is so significant, one must look at the long and often turbulent career of Khaleda Zia. She entered politics under tragic circumstances following the assassination of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. Though she was a housewife at the time, she quickly rose to lead the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, proving to be a formidable leader who could mobilize the masses.

​Her political journey was defined by her role in restoring democracy to Bangladesh after years of military rule in the 1990s. She served as Prime Minister for three terms, bringing about significant changes in education and women’s empowerment. However, her career was also marked by an intense and legendary rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. This "Battle of the Begums" dominated the country's politics for decades, often leading to polarized views and heated political climates. Despite the controversies and the years she spent under house arrest or in prison during later years, her supporters never wavered in their loyalty.

​The Burial Beside a Partner in History

​Following the funeral prayers, the final rites are being performed at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. In accordance with her family’s wishes and the government’s arrangements, Khaleda Zia is being laid to rest with full state honors. She will be buried right next to her husband, Ziaur Rahman, at his mausoleum. This choice of burial site is deeply symbolic, reuniting the couple who founded the BNP and led the nation through some of its most formative years.

​The burial ceremony is a more intimate affair compared to the massive gathering at the parliament grounds, but it is no less solemn. Armed forces gave a guard of honor, and the national flag was draped over her coffin. As the soil is laid, many in Bangladesh feel that a chapter of history is being permanently closed. The site is expected to become a place of pilgrimage for BNP activists and those who admired her steadfastness in the face of political adversity.

​What Lies Ahead for the BNP?

​With the passing of Khaleda Zia, the political landscape of Bangladesh faces a major shift. The country is currently being led by an interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus, and national elections are on the horizon for February 2026. The BNP now finds itself at a crossroads. While the grief is fresh, the party must soon look toward the future under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

​The massive turnout at the funeral today serves as a reminder of the party’s deep roots and grassroots support. Many observers believe that the "sympathy factor" following her death could play a significant role in the upcoming elections. The presence of international leaders like Jaishankar also suggests that the world is watching how the party evolves in the post-Khaleda era. For now, however, the focus remains on the mourning process and honoring a woman who was a central pillar of the nation for over forty years.

​A Nation in Transition

​As the sun sets over Dhaka today, the atmosphere remains heavy. The three-day mourning period will continue, with black flags flying at half-mast across government buildings and party offices. The interim government has appealed for calm and discipline, and so far, the public has responded with a dignified farewell.

​Khaleda Zia’s death is a moment of pause for a country that has seen much upheaval in recent years. It is a time for the people of Bangladesh to reflect on their democratic journey—a journey that she helped start and one that continues to evolve. Whether one agreed with her politics or not, it is impossible to deny that she was a towering figure who left an indelible mark on the soul of the nation. Today, Bangladesh says goodbye to its "Begum," but her legacy will undoubtedly influence the country for many years to come.