Three-time prime minister of Bangladesh, first woman prime minister, uncompromising leader of democracy and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has been buried with state honours.
She was buried next to the grave of her husband late President Ziaur Rahman at Dhaka’s Zia Udyan after 4:30 pm on Wednesday (December 31).
Earlier, Khaleda Zia’s Janaza Namaz was performed in state honor at Sangsad Bhavan grounds and adjoining Manik Mia Avenue area at 3 pm. Millions of people including the chief adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, and dignitaries of the country and abroad participated in the janaza.
Then Khaleda Zia’s body was taken to the tomb of former president and her husband Ziaur Rahman in a special vehicle. Khaleda Zia is now buried next to Ziaur Rahman’s grave after state status.
It should be noted that Khaleda Zia was tortured for a long time during the 16-year rule of Awami League and served imprisonment. No treatment was given. Begum Zia gradually fell ill. After that, he was released conditionally due to Corona, but he was kept in the rented house ‘Firoza’ in Gulshan.
Due to lack of treatment during Awami League regime, Khaleda Zia gradually developed various physical ailments including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, kidney complications.
Meanwhile, in July 2024, a movement started across the country demanding the quota reform movement, which eventually turned into a movement to bring down the government. After 35 consecutive days of bloody agitation, Sheikh Hasina left the country and fled to India on August 5. Khaleda Zia was released the next day on August 6 by President Md. Sahabuddin.
Then Khaleda Zia went to London on January 7 this year for better treatment. After staying in London for 117 days, he returned home on May 6. His health improved a lot. However, he became weak due to complications from various diseases and suffering from physical and mental stress. Age was also unfavorable. He often fell seriously ill. He was admitted to the hospital.
Finally on November 23, he was taken to Evercare Hospital in the capital. Khaleda Zia died at 6 am on Tuesday while she was undergoing treatment there for a little over a month.
