BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was laid to rest with state honours next to the grave of her husband, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in the capital’s Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban area. The burial took place after 3:30 pm on Wednesday (December 31).
Earlier on the same day, Khaleda Zia’s funeral was held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and Manik Mia Avenue at around 3 pm. Lakhs of people from different walks of life, including BNP leaders and activists, participated in the funeral.
Khaleda Zia, who had been suffering from various chronic diseases for a long time, passed away at 6 am on Tuesday (December 30) while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. She was 80 years old at the time of her death. She had been ill for a long time with various physical complications including arthritis, diabetes, kidney, liver, lung and heart diseases.
Khaleda Zia, who rose from a housewife to become a politician, led the BNP for more than four decades. She joined the BNP in 1982 and was elected unopposed as the party’s chairperson in 1984. The leader, who served as prime minister three times, earned the title of ‘Uncompromising Leader’ for her role in the anti-Ershad movement and made history by becoming the first female prime minister of Bangladesh.
Khaleda Zia, who entered politics during the crisis following the assassination of her husband Ziaur Rahman and led the party, has set an example of political decency by avoiding personal attacks. This renowned leader’s colorful political career came to an end with a state funeral.