Khaleda Gets Eternal Farewell from Over a Million of Hearts

Under a sky laden with grief, reverence and collective memory, Bangladesh on Wednesday bid a final, historic farewell to Begum Khaleda Zia, as more than a million mourners converged on Manik Mia Avenue, transforming the heart of the capital into a vast sea of humanity united in prayer and tribute.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and one of the country’s most influential political figures, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. An arch-rival of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina, her death comes at a defining moment in the nation’s political transition. Despite years of illness, Khaleda Zia had intended to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February—set to be the first national vote since a popular uprising in late 2024 ended Hasina’s rule.

The namaz-e-janaza of the BNP chairperson and three-time prime minister was held at 3:03pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Within moments, the prayer ground and surrounding areas were overwhelmed by people from across the country—men and women, young and old—who gathered to honour a leader whose political life spanned decades of struggle, governance and resistance. The funeral prayer concluded at 3:05pm, led by Baitul Mukarram National Mosque khatib Mufti Abdul Malek.

Following the janaza, Khaleda Zia’s flag-draped coffin was taken under tight security to Zia Udyan, where she was laid to rest with full state honours beside her husband, late president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, around 4:45pm. The burial marked the closing chapter of a political life deeply intertwined with the nation’s modern history.

Members of her family, including her elder son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman and other close relatives, stood in silence alongside senior BNP leaders and representatives of various political parties as the final rites were completed. A one-minute silence and collective prayers followed, sealing an emotional farewell.

Before the janaza, Tarique Rahman addressed the gathering, requesting prayers for his mother. He appealed to anyone who might have financial claims against Khaleda Zia to come forward, assuring that he would personally ensure repayment. He also sought forgiveness on her behalf if anyone had been hurt by her words or actions during her lifetime, asking the nation to remember her with mercy and compassion.

The funeral proceedings were conducted by BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, who reflected on Khaleda Zia’s political journey—her rise to leadership, electoral victories, and the repression and hardship she endured. He said she departed with dignity and respect across party lines, leaving behind a legacy that would remain etched in Bangladesh’s democratic narrative.

From early morning, Manik Mia Avenue became the focal point of national mourning. Roads, intersections and alleys stretching through Karwan Bazar, Agargaon, Dhanmondi, Bijoy Sarani and towards the elevated expressway were packed with mourners. Special arrangements were made for women, yet the turnout far exceeded expectations, prompting many to describe the scene as an unprecedented “human ocean”.

The gathering began around 7:00am, with BNP leaders and activists arriving from across Dhaka and distant districts including Feni, Brahmanbaria, Mymensingh, Cumilla, Gazipur, Munshiganj and Narayanganj. Many travelled overnight by bus, train and private vehicles, driven by a final wish to see their leader one last time.

Dignitaries present at the janaza included Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, the chiefs of the army, navy and air force, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, leaders of other political parties, prominent civil society figures and foreign diplomats. The alignment of national leadership and institutions standing shoulder to shoulder reflected the magnitude of the moment.

Alongside domestic leaders, high-level foreign dignitaries arrived in Dhaka to pay their final respects. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma reached the capital on Tuesday night, while India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:30am on Wednesday. Bhutan’s Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D N Dhungyel arrived earlier in the day, and Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also landed in Dhaka—highlighting Khaleda Zia’s stature across South Asia.

Security across the capital was reinforced, with hundreds of law enforcement personnel deployed and 27 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh stationed in and around Manik Mia Avenue and Zia Udyan to ensure the smooth conduct of the janaza and burial.

Many observers described the funeral as the largest in Bangladesh’s history and possibly the biggest janaza ever held for a Muslim woman. Comparisons were drawn with the 1981 janaza of President Ziaur Rahman, also held at Manik Mia Avenue and attended by an estimated two million people—linking two defining moments of national mourning at the same historic site.

Her body was brought to the Parliament complex from Gulshan earlier in the day after being taken from Evercare Hospital to her residence for final respects. There, Tarique Rahman recited verses from the Holy Quran beside her coffin as family members and party leaders gathered in quiet remembrance.

As dusk settled over Dhaka, the crowds slowly dispersed, leaving behind memories of a farewell that transcended politics. For millions, the day marked not only the death of a former prime minister, but the end of an era—defined by resilience, confrontation, sacrifice and an enduring bond between a leader and the people she served.