Bangladesh has declared three days of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, with her state funeral scheduled for Wednesday. Zia, aged 80, passed away peacefully in a hospital on Tuesday morning.
In a televised address to the nation, interim leader Muhammad Yunus urged citizens to remain calm and respectful during this period of grief. “I humbly appeal to everyone to maintain discipline while observing all forms of mourning, including the funeral prayers. I know you are all deeply emotional at this time,” Yunus said. “I hope that during this difficult period, you will show utmost patience and support one another in carrying out her last rites, including the funeral.”
Asif Nazrul, holding the law portfolio in the interim government, confirmed that the funeral prayers would take place in front of the Parliament following the midday prayers. Zia will then be laid to rest beside her late husband, Ziaur Rahman, who also served as president of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of approximately 170 million, has been navigating political unrest since a student-led movement toppled Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, ending her 15-year rule.
Despite years of illness and imprisonment, Zia had pledged in November to campaign for her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the upcoming February 2026 elections. The BNP is considered a strong contender, and her son, Tarique Rahman—who recently returned after 17 years in exile—is seen as a potential future prime minister should the party secure a majority.
Zia’s passing marks the end of an era for Bangladesh, touching the hearts of millions who remember her as a resilient leader, a devoted public servant, and a mother figure to her party’s followers. Her legacy will remain deeply woven into the nation’s political and social history.
