Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was laid to rest with full state honours. After the funeral, a guard of honour was presented to the deceased by the armed forces. At the time, the chiefs of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force paid their respects with an armed salute.
Earlier, Begum Khaleda Zia was buried next to the grave of her husband, martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Her funeral was held at 3:04 pm on Wednesday at Manik Mia Avenue, adjacent to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Lakhs of people turned out to attend the funeral.
Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, led the funeral prayer. The funeral was attended by the late’s eldest son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, family members, top BNP leaders, important state figures and foreign guests. The entire arrangement was conducted by BNP National Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan.
Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, members of the Advisory Council, Chief Justice Zubair Rahman Chowdhury and the heads of the army, navy and air forces were present at the funeral. Besides, top leaders of various political parties also participated in the funeral.
It is noteworthy that Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Ever Care Hospital in the capital. The government has declared three days of state mourning from Wednesday to Friday following her death. A general holiday was also declared across the country on Wednesday to mark the funeral.