• Source:JND

Khaleda Zia's Funeral Today: The body of former Bangladesh prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia reached her Gulshan residence, Firoza, on Wednesday, where family members and close relatives paid their last respects ahead of her Namaz-e-Janaza.

In a post on X, Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said, "The body of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia arrived at Firoza in Gulshan, where family members and relatives paid their last respects to her ahead of her Namaz-e-Janaza."

At the residence, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman was seen seated quietly with a prayer book in his hands, surrounded by family members, as he paid his final respects to his mother in a moment marked by solemn grief.

Khaleda Zia's funeral at 2 pm

The funeral prayer for the former prime minister will be held at 2 pm today on Manik Mia Avenue at the South Plaza of Bangladesh's National Parliament Building. Large crowds have gathered at the venue to participate in the Namaz-e-Janaza, with millions of mourners reported to be present.

Yunus to attend Khaleda Zia's funeral

Chief Adviser of the interim government Muhammad Yunus, along with other dignitaries, is expected to attend the funeral prayer. Following the prayers, Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at his mausoleum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

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Before the burial, senior representatives from several South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, are expected to pay their last respects. These delegations include foreign ministers and other high-level officials.

Bangladesh is observing a public holiday and has entered a three-day period of state mourning as a sea of mourners gathers in Dhaka, marking a moment of national remembrance following the death of one of the country's most influential political figures.

Jaishankar to attend Khaleda Zia's funeral in Dhaka

The funeral has also drawn regional attention, with India confirming official participation in the last rites. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the funeral, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

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"The External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party," the statement said.

Who was Khaleda Zia?

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first woman prime minister, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. A dominant figure in national politics for decades, she led Bangladesh for three terms and played a key role in restoring democracy following years of military rule.

Khaleda zia info

As preparations for the final rites continued, BNP leaders said the funeral prayer will be led by the khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan will conduct the proceedings.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, as quoted by The Daily Star, urged attendees to maintain discipline, avoid rushing forward or taking photographs, and preserve the dignity and solemnity of the ceremony.

He also appealed to the public to pray for strength for the Zia family, particularly Khaleda Zia's eldest and only surviving son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, to bear the loss and continue his responsibilities towards the country.

As condolences continued to pour in, Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia's death, extending condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh. In a post on X, PM Modi said he was "deeply saddened" by her passing and recalled his "warm meeting" with her in Dhaka in 2015, adding that he hoped her vision and legacy would continue to guide bilateral ties.

Tributes also came from across the world, including from the prime ministers of Pakistan and Nepal, as major diplomatic missions and international organisations issued condolence messages acknowledging Khaleda Zia's contributions to Bangladesh's political and democratic development.

(With inputs from agency) 


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