Hundreds of thousands of people travelled from across Bangladesh to the capital Dhaka on Wednesday to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away from a prolonged illness at the age of 80.
The mourners held out their hands in prayer and carried flags printed with her photographs as a motorcade carrying Zia's body drove through the streets near the parliament house, with the hearse wrapped in the national flag.
Flags were flown at half-mast and thousands of security personnel were deployed to manage the massive crowd. A supporter, Setara Sultana, stated, I have come this far just to say goodbye, indicating the deep personal connection many felt with Zia.
Among the mourners was mother of two, Sharmina Siraj, who called Zia an inspiration for her initiatives to improve women's education through stipends. Others, including high-profile figures like India's External Affairs Minister and representatives from neighboring countries, attended the state funeral.
Additionally, Zia's journey is notable, rising from a homemaker to leading the country as its first female prime minister. She faced numerous challenges including incarceration but remained a resilient figure in Bangladesh's democratic struggle.
Her burial next to her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, symbolizes not just her commitment to her family but to the nation she led through significant political transitions.
Despite her declining health, Zia planned to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections, reinforcing her enduring influence in Bangladeshi politics, a legacy honored by the diverse turnout at her funeral.
