The family of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia gathered for a solemn and final farewell on Monday. They paid their last respects to the veteran political leader ahead of her scheduled funeral prayers, known as Namaz-e-Janaza.
Final Goodbyes at Dhaka's Old Airport
The emotional gathering took place at the Old Airport area in the capital city of Dhaka. Close family members, including her son and senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman, attended the ceremony. Although Tarique Rahman participated via video conference from London, his presence was deeply felt. The family viewed Khaleda Zia's body, which was placed in a coffin, marking a poignant moment of personal grief before the state funeral.
A Nation Prepares for the Janaza
Following the private family viewing, the body of the former Prime Minister was transported with state honour to the Parliament Square. This location was chosen for the main Namaz-e-Janaza, allowing the public and dignitaries to pay their respects. Khaleda Zia, a two-time premier of Bangladesh, passed away at the age of 79 while receiving medical treatment. Her death marks the end of an era in the country's tumultuous political landscape, where she served as a central figure for decades.
Political Legacy and National Mourning
The planning of the funeral rites has been a coordinated effort between the family and state authorities. The government, led by her long-time political rival Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, declared a national day of mourning. Flags were flown at half-mast across the country. This gesture, while protocol, underscores the significant and complex legacy Khaleda Zia leaves behind. As the chairperson of the BNP, she was the arch-rival of the ruling Awami League, yet her passing is acknowledged as a national moment of loss.
The Namaz-e-Janaza at Parliament Square is expected to draw massive crowds, including supporters, party members, diplomats, and citizens from all walks of life. Security arrangements have been heightened across Dhaka to manage the anticipated gatherings. After the public funeral prayers, her body will be taken to its final resting place. Khaleda Zia will be buried at the Banani Graveyard in Dhaka, where other members of her family are interred.
The death of Khaleda Zia closes a major chapter in Bangladesh's political history. Her journey from the wife of assassinated President Ziaur Rahman to becoming the country's first female Prime Minister, and her subsequent role as the leader of the opposition, shaped the nation's democracy. The nation now watches as it prepares to bid a formal, final goodbye to one of its most influential and controversial leaders.
