Thousands pay tribute at the funeral of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia

December 31, 2025

Dhaka: A large crowd gathered outside Bangladesh’s National Parliament building on Wednesday for the funeral of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Thousands of people gathered to pay their last respects at Manik Mia Avenue, where she will be buried near the grave of her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, according to an Associated Press report.

India expresses deep condolences

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka and paid tribute to Khaleda Zia and expressed the condolences of the Indian government and people.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that Jaishankar praised his contribution to democracy and said they hoped to further strengthen relations between the two countries after the upcoming February 2026 elections.

BNP leaders and supporters also joined

Crowds began gathering around 7 a.m. for the final prayers. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders and workers were also present in large numbers, according to The Daily Star.

Other foreign dignitaries and political representatives also joined as the nation paid tribute to this iconic political figure.