C T Online Desk: Dec 31, 2025- The whole nation was gripped in shock and sorrow as a ocean of people today bade last farewell to its revered leader BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia with tearful eyes and ripped hearts.
The people of the country plunged into a mountain of deep grief as the three-time former prime minister, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh, was laid to eternal rest beside her husband Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s grave here with a shower of love, respect and reverence of the countrymen.
The country witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of grief as millions of mourners from across Bangladesh converged Manik Mia Avenue and surrounding areas spanning a radius of several kilometers to pay their final tributes to the first female prime minister of Bangladesh.
All roads led to her burial site with millions of people making a human sea as people traveled from every hook and corner of the country by buses, trains, launches, metro rail and other transports. Scenes of deep sorrow were visible with thousands of mourners weeping openly.
The influx of BNP leaders and supporters into the capital intensified following the spread of news of Begum Zia’s death. Continuous streams of people arrived from different regions of the country. Authorities struggled to manage the massive crowd as the capital became the focal point of national mourning.
Defying severe cold, leaders, activists and ordinary citizens began gathering at Manik Mia Avenue and surrounding areas Tuesday night. By early Wednesday morning, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban complex, nearby roads and pavements were filled to capacity. Many spent the night outdoors to secure a place near the funeral venue, holding national flags, party banners and portraits of Begum Zia.
World leaders were also united in final tribute to Khaleda Zia as foreign leaders, envoys and heads of international organisations gathered in Dhaka to honour the legacy of the veteran Bangladeshi stateswoman showing an extraordinary global and regional outpouring of respect.
The presence of multiple foreign dignitaries transformed the solemn ceremony into a moment of shared mourning and diplomatic tribute, reflecting Begum Khaleda Zia’s enduring stature on the regional and international stage.
Among those present were Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, D.N. Dhungyel, Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, Bala Nanda Sharma, Foreign Minister of Nepal. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka; and Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development of the Republic of Maldives. The foreign guests paid their final respects and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Bangladesh.
