Name: Huge crowds for Zia funeral as Bangladesh bids farewell to ex-leader
Uploaded: 2026-01-01T04:15:40.443Z
Duration: 2 min 12 s
Description: Mourners surround Bangladesh’s parliament in Dhaka to pay their respects to the country’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia.

Mourners surround Bangladesh’s parliament in Dhaka to pay their respects to the country’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia.

Dhaka

Bangladeshis gathered in large numbers in Dhaka to bid farewell to Begum Kalathasiya, the nation's first female prime minister. Her funeral drew hundreds of thousands, including foreign ministers, dignitaries, and citizens from across the political spectrum, reflecting her broad impact on the country.

Kalathasiya was laid to rest beside her husband, former President Zia-ur-Rehman, in a ceremony marked by national mourning and heightened security. Her son, Tariq-ur-Rehman, returned from exile to attend the funeral, with many expecting him to continue her political legacy.

Huge crowds for Zia funeral as Bangladesh bids farewell to ex-leader

Under a winter sky and heavy with grief, Bangladeshis bid farewell to Begum Kalathasiya, the nation's first female Prime Minister. Draped in red and green of the national flag, her body arrived at Manikmiya Avenue, where hundreds of thousands had gathered, some since dawn, standing united in silent sorrow. We are here to bid our final farewell. People from all walks of life, beyond political differences, have gathered with tears and heavy hearts. She was an uncompromising leader who earned the nation's respect. We are deeply saddened today. She was a historic figure who gave so much to the nation. That is why we have all come here to pay our respects. Security was tight as foreign ministers from across South Asia and other international and local dignitaries, including interim leader Muhammad Yunus, gathered to pay their respects. Bangladesh pauses as it bids farewell to a leader who helped shape its destiny for more than three decades. After prayers, Kalathasiya was laid to rest beside the body of her husband, former President Zia-ur-Rehman, at Zia-ud-Dayan, in Dhaka, in a moment rich with history and symbolism. Kalathasiya was our national leader. Today's funeral shows how deeply she was loved by the people. Her legacy will be written in history, in gold. We pray for her eternal peace. Zia's son, Tariq-ur-Rehman, returned from 17 years in exile to say prayers for his mother. Many believe he will carry forward Kalathasiya's political legacy. If anyone was hurt by her words, behaviour or actions while she was alive, I seek forgiveness on her behalf. Please pray for her salvation and that she may rest in heaven. As Bangladesh lays Begum Kalathasiya to rest, the nation bids a final farewell to a towering leader whose strength and sacrifice will live on in its history. Tanvi Chaudhry, Al Jazeera, Dhaka.

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