Hundreds of Thousands Gather for State Funeral of Bangladesh’s Former Prime Minister

Hundreds of thousands of people from across Bangladesh gathered in the capital, Dhaka, on Wednesday to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as the nation observed a state funeral in her honor.

Khaleda Zia, the country’s first woman to serve as prime minister, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a long period of illness. Her death marked the end of a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political history.

Large crowds lined the streets near the parliament complex as a motorcade carrying her body moved through the capital. The hearse, draped in the national flag, was accompanied by mourners offering prayers and holding banners bearing her image. As a mark of respect, flags were lowered to half-mast nationwide, and extensive security arrangements were put in place.

Many attendees traveled long distances simply to be part of the farewell. Supporters described her as a symbol of strength and leadership, particularly highlighting her role in advancing women’s education through stipend programs that had lasting social impact.

Several foreign dignitaries were present at the funeral, reflecting her regional and international stature. Earlier in the day, her body was taken to the residence of her son, where family members and close associates offered prayers.

Khaleda Zia’s political journey was remarkable, rising from a private life to become a central figure in national politics. She is set to be laid to rest beside her husband, Ziaur Rahman, a former president who was assassinated in 1981 — an event that propelled her into public life.

She later led her party to victory in the country’s first general elections after two decades, gaining a reputation as a firm and resolute leader. During periods of military rule, she emerged as a prominent voice demanding democratic restoration, enduring repeated arrests and political pressure.

Despite attempts by authorities at the time to sideline her and her longtime political rival from politics, Khaleda Zia went on to serve as prime minister twice — first in the early 1990s and again in the early 2000s.

During a later military-backed caretaker administration, she was placed under detention, underscoring the turbulent nature of her political career. Her passing has prompted widespread reflection on her legacy and her role in shaping modern Bangladesh.