Dhaka witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of grief on Thursday as hundreds of thousands of citizens gathered to bid a final farewell to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The influential political leader, who served as the country's first woman prime minister, was laid to rest at the city's Banani Graveyard, marking the end of an era in Bangladesh's tumultuous political history.
A Nation in Mourning: Final Journey Through Dhaka
The funeral proceedings began at the Parliament complex premises, where Khaleda Zia's body was kept for public viewing. From the early hours, a massive sea of mourners, comprising supporters, party workers, and ordinary citizens, started converging. The crowd, dressed mostly in white, chanted slogans and offered prayers as they waited for a last glimpse of their beloved leader.
The funeral prayer, or Namaz-e-Janaza, was held at the National Parliament Mosque Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban after Zuhr prayers. The sheer scale of the gathering made it one of the largest funerals seen in the capital in recent years. Following the prayers, the coffin, draped in the national flag, was placed on a gun carriage for a solemn procession to the Banani Graveyard.
Political Legacy and Personal Tributes
Khaleda Zia, the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away on Wednesday at the age of 78 while undergoing treatment at a Dhaka hospital. Her death concludes a long and significant chapter in the nation's politics. She was the widow of former President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the BNP, and herself served as Prime Minister for three terms.
Her political journey was marked by intense rivalry with the Awami League and its leader, current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Despite the deep political divisions, her passing has been acknowledged across the spectrum. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent a floral wreath to the coffin, a gesture noted by many observers. Senior leaders from various political parties, diplomats, and dignitaries were present to pay their respects.
A Private Burial and Public Grief
The final rites were conducted as a private family affair at the Banani Graveyard, where she was buried beside the grave of her son, Arafat Rahman Koko. The burial took place around 4:45 PM local time. Despite the private nature of the burial, the public mourning continued unabated in the streets surrounding the cemetery and across the country.
Security was tight throughout the day, with law enforcement agencies managing the enormous crowds to ensure order. The government had declared a half-day holiday to allow people to participate in the funeral. The event underscored Khaleda Zia's enduring connection with her vast support base, who remember her for her political resilience and advocacy.
Her passing leaves a significant vacuum in the opposition political space in Bangladesh. As the nation turns the page, the scenes from Dhaka serve as a powerful testament to her impact on the country's democratic trajectory and the lives of millions.
