Khaleda Zia Buried Beside Ziaur Rahman

Former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Begum Khaleda Zia, has been laid to rest with full state honours beside the grave of her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Dhaka. The burial marked the closing chapter of a defining era in Bangladesh’s political history and was conducted amid solemnity, heightened security, and an outpouring of public emotion.

On Wednesday, 31 December, at around 4:00 p.m., the hearse carrying Khaleda Zia’s mortal remains arrived at Zia Udyan. Her body was carefully transferred from a refrigerated vehicle and then conveyed by van to the mausoleum complex. At approximately 4:30 p.m., she was formally interred beside Ziaur Rahman, in accordance with state protocol. The ceremony was dignified and restrained, reflecting both her former status as head of government and her enduring political legacy.

Earlier in the day, at around 3:00 p.m., her funeral prayers were held at Manik Mia Avenue, one of the capital’s most significant public spaces. The janaza drew hundreds of thousands of mourners from across the country, transforming the surrounding areas into a sea of people. The prayer was led by Mufti Abdul Malek, Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, whose measured recitation underscored the gravity of the moment.

Among those present were Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, the chiefs of the three armed services, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, and senior leaders and activists of the party. The gathering also reflected international recognition of Khaleda Zia’s political stature. Diplomats from 32 foreign missions—including the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, Russia, China, Iran and Qatar—were in attendance at Manik Mia Avenue to pay their respects.

Earlier that morning, at 11:48 a.m., Khaleda Zia’s body was brought under tight security to the South Plaza of the National Parliament building. Draped in the red and green national flag, the coffin was transported in a state-designated refrigerated vehicle as part of official protocol. Before that, at around 11:00 a.m., the hearse had departed from her son Tarique Rahman’s residence in Gulshan, following the transfer of her body from Evercare Hospital.

Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. while undergoing treatment at the age of 80. She had been suffering from multiple chronic ailments, including heart disease, lung complications, liver and kidney problems, as well as diabetes. Her death prompted widespread mourning and reflection on her decades-long role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Key Events at a Glance :

With her burial complete, Bangladesh bids farewell to a leader whose life and career left an indelible imprint on the nation’s political narrative, ensuring her place in history alongside her husband, one of the country’s most influential figures.