Thousands of mourners gathered in Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the funeral prayers of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, with crowds assembling outside the national parliament complex and along Manik Mia Avenue, where the main ceremony was held.
The funeral prayers began early in the morning and drew people from across the country, including senior political leaders, party workers, civil society members and ordinary citizens. Khaleda Zia is set to be laid to rest beside the grave of her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, marking a significant moment in Bangladesh&rsquo;s political history.
India was represented at the funeral by external affairs minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in Dhaka to personally convey the condolences of the people and the government of India. He paid tribute to Khaleda Zia&rsquo;s contribution to Bangladesh&rsquo;s democratic journey and expressed hope for stronger bilateral ties in the period ahead, especially as the country prepares for a democratic transition through elections scheduled for February 2026.
Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which Khaleda Zia led for decades, were present in large numbers, alongside members of her family and close relatives. The Chief Adviser of Bangladesh&rsquo;s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, also joined the prayers, along with the Chief Justice, advisers to the interim administration, and senior civil and military officials.
The scale of public participation was evident as mourners travelled to the capital by buses, trains, trucks, motorcycles and private vehicles. By afternoon, crowds had spilled into surrounding areas, including Farmgate and Karwan Bazar, as people continued to arrive to pay their final respects.
Several countries from the South Asian region also sent senior representatives to Dhaka for the funeral, underscoring Khaleda Zia&rsquo;s regional stature and the significance of her legacy in Bangladesh&rsquo;s political landscape.

Thousands of people were expected to attend the funeral of Khaleda

Leaders, citizens gather in Dhaka as India conveys condolences at ex-PM’s funeral

Thousands attend Khaleda Zia funeral in Dhaka

Leaders, citizens gather in Dhaka as India conveys condolences at ex-PM’s funeral

December 31, 2025 | 22:36 IST