Historic Gathering marking Namaj-e-Janaza: Adieu Deshnetri Khaleda Zia
Staff Reporter :
Former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia was laid to rest with full state honours on Wednesday.
The three-time prime minister and the country’s first female head of government was buried beside her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in the capital in the late afternoon.
Tarique Rahman along with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, NCP convener Nahid Islam, other political leaders, heads of law enforcement agencies along with foreign dignitaries attend the namaj-e- janaza of Khaleda Zia.
Earlier in the day, her grand namaj-e-janaza were held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building and adjacent Manik Mia Avenue.
The namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex, drawing an unprecedented turnout from across the country.
The funeral prayer was led at 2:30pm by Mufti Abdul Malek, khatib of the Baitul Mokarram National Mosque.
Begum Khaleda Zia three-time prime minister and the uncompromising leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)’ s janaza was attended by millions of people not only from Dhaka but from many other districts as well.
Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior leaders of various political parties, and diplomats from several friendly nations attended the janaza.
Although scheduled to begin at 2:00pm, thousands of mourners began assembling from early morning at Manik Mia Avenue and surrounding areas.
The massive crowd eventually overflowed into Bijoy Sarani, Khamarbari Mor, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Panthapath, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, College Gate, Asad Gate and Shahbagh, spilling into nearby streets and alleys.
The vehicle wrapped in the national flag, carrying Khaleda Zia’s body, on way to Manik Mia Avenue for the funeral prayers of the former prime minister.
Many people stood on rooftops and overbridges, while countless others were unable to reach the venue due to the overwhelming crowd.
Many mourners were seen shedding tears as they reflected on Khaleda Zia’s life and enduring political legacy.
“Khaleda Zia devoted her entire life to the people of this nation. Bangladesh will always remember her sacrifices. She will live on in the hearts of the people forever,” said BNP activist Hasibur Rahman.
Another mourner, Rehena Akhter, said she had come not as a political supporter but out of deep personal respect. “She never compromised the sovereignty of Bangladesh. Her unwavering patriotism was a constant source of inspiration for me,” she said.
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Following the funeral prayer, Khaleda Zia was to be laid to rest with full state honours beside her husband, BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar around 3:30pm.
Family members, senior state dignitaries, government officials, foreign guests, ambassadors and BNP-nominated representatives were scheduled to attend the burial.
To maintain security and order, access to the burial site was restricted, and public movement within the area remained limited.
From as early as 7:00am, BNP leaders, activists and supporters from Dhaka and districts including Feni, Brahmanbaria, Mymensingh, Cumilla, Gazipur, Munshiganj and Narayanganj were arrived to pay their final respects.
People from all walks of life travelled by bus, train, truck, private vehicles and motorcycles, transforming the capital into a vast sea of mourners.
Representatives from several foreign countries arrived in Bangladesh to pay tribute to Khaleda Zia.
Leaders and activists of various political parties also joined the funeral, reflecting her long and influential role in the country’s political landscape.
The state funeral was attended by Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus, advisers from different ministries, and chiefs of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
Khaleda Zia’s elder son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman remained present throughout the funeral proceedings, from the arrival of the body at the prayer venue to the burial.
Addressing the gathering before the funeral prayers, Tarique Rahman urged the people to pray for his mother, asking that Allah grant her Jannatul Ferdous.
He also requested anyone who had financial claims against Khaleda Zia to contact him so that the dues could be settled.
Additionally, he sought forgiveness on her behalf if anyone had been hurt by her words or actions during her lifetime.
The funeral prayers began at 3:03pm and concluded at 3:05pm, led by Mufti Abdul Malek, Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.
From noon onward, thousands of people were seen walking from different parts of the capital, including Karwan Bazar, towards Manik Mia Avenue to attend the funeral.
Many had travelled from outside Dhaka, joining the massive crowd irrespective of political affiliation, to offer their final farewell to the former prime minister.