The body of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia arrived at her residence, Firoza, in Dhaka's Gulshan area on Wednesday. Family members and close relatives paid their last respects before the funeral prayers. Muhammad Yunus, head of the Bangladeshi interim government, shared this information in a post on the social media platform X. He stated that Khaleda Zia's body was brought to Firoza, where her family and relatives bid her a final farewell.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. Her death has sparked a nationwide mourning. Khaleda Zia served as Bangladesh's Prime Minister three times. In recognition of her immense contribution to the country's politics, the interim government has declared three days of state mourning and a one-day holiday.
Hundreds gathered for the final prayer.
Following the news of Khaleda Zia's death, a large number of people gathered in Dhaka today to pay their last respects. Her funeral prayer was offered at 2 p.m. today at Manik Mia Avenue, South Plaza, Bangladesh's National Parliament Building. The crowd paid their respects and reverence. Family and close relatives were also present.
Son Rahman was seen praying before his mother's body.
When Khaleda Zia's body arrived at her residence, 'Firoza', in the Gulshan area, BNP Executive Chairman and Khaleda Zia's brother-in-law, Tarique Rahman, was seen paying his respects to his mother. He sat quietly with a prayer book in his hand.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar arrives in Dhaka.
Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar was received at Dhaka airport by Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma. An Indian Embassy spokesperson confirmed this to Bangladesh's official news agency. The special aircraft carrying Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka at 11:30 am. An official statement stated that Jaishankar is attending the funeral of Khaleda Zia, representing the Government of India and the people of India.
Jaishankar Expresses Condolences
Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riaz Hamidullah said on Wednesday that during his visit to Dhaka, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed condolences to Khaleda Zia's family and the people of Bangladesh on behalf of the Government of India and the people of India. Hamidullah wrote in his post that Jaishankar praised Khaleda Zia's contribution to democracy and said that relations between the two countries will be further strengthened after the democratic transition in Bangladesh. He expressed hope for increased cooperation, especially after the upcoming elections.
The funeral prayer will be held at 2 p.m.
The funeral prayer for former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held at 2 p.m. today at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan) on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. A large number of people have already arrived to attend the funeral, and hundreds of thousands of mourners are expected. Many prominent leaders and dignitaries, including Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, will attend the funeral.
Following the prayers, Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest near the grave of her husband and former President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Prior to the burial, senior representatives from several South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, will pay their last respects. These include foreign ministers and senior officials.
Traffic restrictions on several roads
Dhaka police stated that the body would be transported from the hospital to Parliament House via a special route, and traffic would be restricted on several roads. The government clarified that essential services such as hospitals, electricity, water, gas, fire services, and communications will remain operational despite the public holiday.
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