End of an Era: Hundreds of Thousands Gather in Dhaka for the Final Farewell of Khaleda Zia

DHAKA, December 31, 2025 — The capital city of Dhaka came to a near standstill today as hundreds of thousands of mourners flooded the streets to pay their final respects to Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a towering figure in the nation’s political history.

The former Premier passed away yesterday, December 30, at approximately 6:00 AM at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was 80 years old.

A Final Status of Resilience

Khaleda Zia’s final status was one of quiet resilience despite years of declining health and political isolation. In the months leading up to her passing, she had been battling advanced liver cirrhosis, alongside chronic arthritis, diabetes, and kidney complications.

Her condition took a critical turn in late November 2025, leading to her final hospitalization. By mid-December, she was placed on ventilator support due to a severe lung infection (pneumonia) that eventually overwhelmed her heart and respiratory system. Despite plans to airlift her to London for specialized treatment, her medical board determined she was too fragile for travel, and she spent her final days surrounded by close family, including her son, Tarique Rahman, who recently returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile.

Dhaka at a Standstill

From the early hours of Wednesday, a “sea of humanity” occupied Manik Mia Avenue and the surrounding areas. The massive influx of people created unprecedented traffic congestion across the capital, with foreign dignitaries and state representatives reportedly caught in gridlock for hours. Mourners were seen gathered on flyovers and rooftops, catching a final glimpse of the flag-draped casket.

Global Leaders Pay Tribute

The funeral served as a rare gathering of regional leadership, underscoring Zia’s legacy in South Asian diplomacy. Key attendees included:

• Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, who delivered a personal letter of condolence from PM Narendra Modi.
• Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
• Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Foreign Minister of Bhutan.
• Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.

Laying the “Tiger” to Rest

Following the Janaza (funeral prayers) held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, Khaleda Zia’s mortal remains were taken to Chandrima Uddan. In a deeply symbolic final act, she was buried with full state honors beside the grave of her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981.

The interim government has declared three days of state mourning, marking the close of a definitive chapter in Bangladeshi politics.