Post by : Meena
Hassan
On Wednesday, throngs of people from across Bangladesh assembled in Dhaka to honor the memory of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as the nation grieved for a pivotal political figure.
Khaleda Zia, who made history as Bangladesh's first female prime minister, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. The area surrounding the parliament was filled with mourners as a motorcade bearing her body, draped in the national flag, proceeded through the capital.
Crowds lined the streets, offering prayers and displaying flags featuring her likeness. In a show of respect, flags were flown at half-mast nationwide, with thousands of security personnel deployed to regulate the large turnout at her funeral.
“I came from afar just to say goodbye,” expressed Setara Sultana, a devoted member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. “Just seeing the vehicle with her body was significant for me.”
Sharmina Siraj, a mother of two, hailed Zia as a role model for women, emphasizing how educational initiatives during her leadership were crucial in shaping her daughters’ futures. She noted Zia’s invaluable impact on women's empowerment.
Earlier, Zia's body was brought to her son Tarique Rahman's home, where he was observed reciting Quran verses near her office. The funeral attracted various regional leaders and dignitaries, illustrating Zia's influence beyond Bangladesh.
Zia's political journey was remarkable; she emerged into public life following the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981, ultimately leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. She held the office of prime minister twice, first in 1991 and then in 2001.
Recognized for her strong resistance to military regimes, Zia faced political adversity, including arrests, while advocating for democratic reform. Together with her long-standing rival Sheikh Hasina, she significantly shaped the country’s contemporary political landscape.
Despite serious health issues and legal battles later in life, Zia remained a potent symbol of resilience for her supporters. Even with her declining health, her party had announced intentions for her to run in the parliamentary elections set for February 2026.
Khaleda Zia will be interred alongside her late husband, marking an important conclusion to a significant era in Bangladesh's political history. The overwhelming turnout at her funeral stands as a testament to her lasting popularity and the respect she garnered throughout the nation.
Her son, Tarique Rahman, remarked that the nation had lost a guiding figure pivotal in shaping its democratic aspirations.
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