In one of the largest funeral gatherings in Bangladesh's history, millions of mourners gathered at Manik Mia Avenue this afternoon to attend the namaz-e-janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia, the three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson.
The funeral prayer was led by Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan presented a brief biography of the legendary leader.
High-Profile Attendance and Dignitaries The ceremony was attended by the highest levels of the state and international representatives: Government & Judiciary: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury were present alongside interim government advisers. Political Leadership: Begum Zia’s son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined the prayers, marking a poignant moment for the family and party supporters. International Presence: Foreign dignitaries and senior military officials also paid their final respects.
Unprecedented Crowd and Logistics Since Tuesday night, people from all over the country flocked to the capital via buses, trains, launches, and the metro. The area surrounding the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban became a sea of people, with many weeping openly as they bid farewell to the "uncompromising leader." To manage the massive influx, all roads leading to Manik Mia Avenue were dedicated to the funeral procession.
The Final Rest Following the janaza, Begum Khaleda Zia will be buried with full state honors beside the grave of her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. While the janaza was open to the public, the final burial ceremony is restricted to family and designated state guests to facilitate an elaborate and formal state funeral. Begum Zia passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80, leaving behind a profound political legacy as the nation’s first female Prime Minister.
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