Bangladesh mourns Khaleda Zia at state funeral as nation pays last respects

Bangladesh bid farewell to former prime minister Khaleda Zia on Wednesday in a state funeral that drew huge crowds, mourning a towering leader whose career defined politics for decades.

Zia, the first woman to serve as prime minister in the South Asian nation of 170 million people, died on Tuesday at the age of 80.

Flags flew at half mast and thousands of security officers lined the streets as her body was carried through the streets of the capital, Dhaka, in a vehicle in the colors of the national flag.

Supporters of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia carry a wreath to mourn her death as they gather before a funeral service in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 Photo: AFP

Retired government official Minhaz Uddin, 70, said he never voted for her but came to honor the three-time prime minister. “I came here with my grandson, just to say goodbye to a veteran politician whose contributions will always be remembered,” she said, watching from behind a barbed-wire barrier as her body passed.

“Khaleda Zia has been an inspiration,” mourner Sharmina Siraj told AFP, adding that “it’s hard to imagine women in leadership positions any time soon.” The 40-year-old mother of two said the scholarships introduced by Zia to support girls’ education “have had a huge impact on the lives of our girls”.

Despite years of ill health and imprisonment, Zia had vowed to campaign in elections scheduled for February 12 — the first vote since a mass uprising toppled her would-be rival Sheikh Hasina last year.

People gather to watch funeral prayers for former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 31 Photo: Reuters

Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is widely seen as the front-runner and her son Tarique Rahman, 60, who returned just last week after 17 years in exile, is seen as a possible prime minister if he wins a majority.

Reading: Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, has died at the age of 80

“She’s gone, but her legacy lives on — and so does the BNP,” said Jenny Parvez, 37, who traveled several hours with her family to watch the funeral pass by on the road.

The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mohamed Yunus, declared three days of national mourning and an elaborate state funeral.

Large crowds gathered outside parliament — many waving national or BNP flags — where her coffin is expected at around 2pm. and when the prayers will begin.

Younus said Bangladesh had “lost a great keeper”.

Zia’s body will be buried alongside her late husband, Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981 during his presidency.

Tariq Rahman said in a statement that “the country mourns the loss of a guiding presence who shaped its democratic aspirations.” His mother, he added, “endured repeated arrests, denial of medical care and relentless persecution,” but that “her endurance … was unbreakable.”

Supporters and mourners of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia arrive to take part in the funeral ceremony in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 Photo: AFP

Suffering from several health problems, Zia was rushed to hospital in late November, where her condition had gradually worsened despite treatment.

However, hours before her death, party workers had on Monday submitted nomination papers on her behalf for three constituencies for next year’s polls.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he hoped Zia’s “vision and legacy will continue to guide our cooperation,” a warm message despite strained relations between New Delhi and Dhaka since Hasina’s fall.

Read more: Bangladesh opposition leader Tariq Rahman returns from exile after 17 years

Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is to attend the funeral, New Delhi said, the most senior visit by an Indian official since Hasina’s ouster.

Senior officials from Pakistan are also expected to attend.

Hasina, 78, who was sentenced to death in absentia in November for crimes against humanity, remains in hiding in her old ally India.

Zia was jailed for corruption in 2018 under Hasina’s government, which also barred her from traveling abroad for medical treatment. Zia was released last year, shortly after Hasina was forced from power.

“I pray for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul,” Hasina said, in a statement shared on social media by the now-banned Awami League party.