The funeral prayer of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was held at 3:03 pm on Wednesday (December 31) at Manik Mia Avenue adjacent to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, attended by lakhs of people.
The funeral was led by Maulana Abdul Malek, Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram. The funeral was attended by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim government. In addition, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, along with the heads of various forces, top leaders of various political parties, and important figures of the state were present.
Mourners thronged Manik Mia Avenue in the capital since morning to bid farewell to this uncompromising leader. Along with leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliates from different parts of the country, people from different classes and professions participated in the funeral. The deep grief and pain of losing their beloved leader was evident in the eyes and faces of the people present.
After the funeral, Begum Khaleda Zia will be buried with state honors next to the tomb of her husband, martyred President Ziaur Rahman.
It is worth noting that Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6 am on Tuesday (December 30) while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. The government has declared three days of state mourning on her death and a general holiday will be observed across the country on Wednesday. At the same time, BNP is observing a seven-day mourning program.