BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. File Photo

DHAKA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - A number of distinguished foreign dignitaries attended the funeral process of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, reflecting strong regional solidarity and respect for Bangladesh during a moment of national mourning.

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. 

Their presence at the funeral was seen as a gesture of deep respect and a reaffirmation of longstanding diplomatic ties and friendship between Bangladesh and its neighboring and partner countries.

Senior political leaders, government officials, diplomats, and members of the public also joined the janaza prayers, highlighting the significance of the occasion and the widespread grief felt across the nation.

Millions of people from across Bangladesh attended the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.

The Janaza began around 3:00 pm while the coffin wrapped in the national flag was brought to the venue around 2:45 pm with full state honour. 

Standing Committee Member of BNP Nazrul Islam Khan read out a brief biography of the late leader while Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Khatib Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek conducted the funeral prayers.

BNP Acting Chairman and elder son of the deceased, Tarique Rahman, sought prayers for his mother's eternal peace, asking people to pray so that Allah grants her Jannat.

Khaleda Zia was later laid to eternal rest beside her husband Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman grave at Zia Udyan with state honour around 4:50pm today.