Dhaka Pays Tribute to Khaleda Zia as Crowds Remember a Leader

On Wednesday, Dhaka witnessed an outpouring of grief as hundreds of thousands from every corner of Bangladesh gathered to honor former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away recently, leaving a significant void in the nation's political arena.

Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, passed away at the age of 80 after a lengthy illness on Tuesday. Her body was transported in a hearse adorned with the national flag, drawing throngs of mourners along the streets adjacent to the parliament complex.

Mourners lined the roadways, praying and clutching flags depicting her likeness. Throughout the nation, flags were displayed at half-mast, and extensive security measures were put in place to manage the expansive crowds attending her funeral.

“I came from afar just to say goodbye,” noted Setara Sultana, a loyal supporter of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. “Even just seeing the vehicle with her body was a poignant moment for me.”

Sharmina Siraj, a mother of two, described Zia as an inspirational figure for women, emphasizing how the educational initiatives she championed during her administration helped shape her daughters' prospects. She emphasized Zia’s substantial imprint on women's empowerment in Bangladesh.

Earlier, the body of Zia was brought to her son, Tarique Rahman's residence, where he recited Quranic verses near her office. The funeral saw a host of regional dignitaries attending, a testament to Zia's influence that stretched beyond national borders.

Zia’s political journey was remarkable, having stepped into the public sphere following the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981. She rose to lead the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and served two terms as Prime Minister, first from 1991 and later in 2001.

Known for her staunch opposition to military rule, Zia faced numerous challenges, including arrests and political adversity, while advocating for democratic reforms. Alongside her longtime rival Sheikh Hasina, she was instrumental in shaping Bangladesh's political landscape.

In her later years, despite health concerns and legal obstacles, she remained a potent symbol for her supporters. Even in declining health, her party had announced intentions for her to run in the parliamentary elections set for February 2026.

Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband, bringing a close to a pivotal chapter in Bangladesh’s political narrative. The massive attendance at her funeral reflects her sustained popularity and the respect she garnered throughout the country.

Her son, Tarique Rahman, noted that the nation has lost a guiding force instrumental in shaping its vision for democracy.