Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the recently deceased Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), remained an uncompromising figure in her lifelong struggle for democracy, national sovereignty, and the rights of the people. Despite immense political adversity and years of persecution, she never wavered from her ideals—a steadfastness that elevated her to a unique stature in the nation's history. As a pioneering woman leader, Begum Khaleda Zia upheld Bangladesh’s dignity in South Asian politics. Her contributions to the restoration of parliamentary democracy, her leadership in democratic movements, and her role in fostering a robust tradition of opposition politics will be remembered as landmark achievements. Her political foresight and resilient life serve as a source of inspiration for future generations. On this day of her final departure, we present a collection of rare and historic photographs capturing moments of her life with her husband, the late President Ziaur Rahman, and their children. Begum Khaleda Zia's Family. Photo: Collected Martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Photo: Collected Begum Khaleda Zia. Photo: Collected Begum Khaleda Zia with her two sons Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko. Photo: Collected Martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Photo: Collected Martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Photo: Collected Loving mother Begum Khaleda Zia. Photo: Collected Martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Photo: Collected

The body of BNP Chairperson and Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, has been moved from Evercare Hospital. At 8:55 AM on Wednesday (December 31), the ambulance carrying her remains departed the hospital for Gulshan. Final Journey to Gulshan Draped in the red and green national flag, Begum Zia’s casket is being taken to the residence of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Gulshan Avenue. Family members and close associates will gather there to pay their final private respects. Funeral and Burial Schedule According to the official schedule, the funeral prayer (Janaza) for the "uncompromising leader" will be held at 2:00 PM at the western end of Manik Mia Avenue, near the National Parliament. Read More 3-Day State Mourning for Khaleda Zia, Public Holiday Today Following the service, she will be laid to rest at 3:30 PM at Zia Uddan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, beside the grave of her husband, the late President Ziaur Rahman. Massive Crowds and Foreign Dignitaries Defying the biting winter cold, crowds began gathering in the capital from dawn to take part in the funeral. Since Tuesday night, large numbers of BNP leaders, activists, and supporters have been seen congregating near the National Parliament, Evercare Hospital, the Gulshan office, and her residence, Firoza. High-level delegations from several South and Southeast Asian countries, including India and Pakistan, are expected to arrive in Dhaka today to pay their last respects. Stringent security measures have been implemented across the capital to manage the large gatherings and ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. A Historic Legacy Born on August 15, 1945, Begum Khaleda Zia served as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and was the second woman to lead a democratic government in the Muslim world, after Benazir Bhutto. She passed away at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital at 6:00 AM on Tuesday (December 30). Her passing marks the end of a significant era in Bangladeshi politics.

The funeral prayer (Janaza) for Begum Khaleda Zia—three-time former Prime Minister, Chairperson of the BNP, and a key leader of the democratic movement—will be held today, Wednesday (December 31), at 2:00 PM at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. Following the prayers, she will be laid to rest with state honors beside her husband, the late President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman. The Chief Adviser's Press Wing confirmed the details in a press release issued late Tuesday night. Venue and Logistics According to the Press Wing, Khaleda Zia’s casket will be placed at the western end of Manik Mia Avenue rather than the South Plaza of the National Parliament. The funeral service is expected to span the interior grounds of the Parliament building, its exterior sections, and the entirety of Manik Mia Avenue to accommodate the massive expected turnout. The notification stated that security forces and relevant state agencies are making necessary preparations to ensure that the public can pay their final respects and participate in the funeral without disruption. Provisions are also being made for the public to occupy roads adjacent to Manik Mia Avenue. Burial Details Begum Khaleda Zia will be interred at Zia Uddan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at approximately 3:30 PM. The ceremony will be attended by family members, high-ranking state officials, government representatives, foreign dignitaries, diplomats, and designated BNP leaders. Read More Khaleda Zia will Remain Immortal in the Democratic Journey: Tarique Rahman To ensure a disciplined burial process, access to the site will be restricted to authorized personnel only. Public movement within Zia Uddan will remain limited until the interment is complete. National Mourning The BNP has announced a seven-day mourning period following her passing. As part of the program, black flags will be hoisted at the Chairperson's political office in Gulshan, the party's central office in Nayapaltan, and all party offices across the country. Party members will also wear black badges. Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at 6:00 AM on Tuesday. Her death has cast a shadow of grief across the country’s political landscape and beyond.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that Khaleda Zia will remain immortal in Bangladesh's democratic journey. He made these remarks in a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon (December 30). "My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has responded to the call of Almighty Allah and left us today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un," Tarique Rahman wrote. "To many, she was the 'Deshnetri' (Leader of the Country), the uncompromising leader; to many, she was the 'Mother of Democracy' and the 'Mother of Bangladesh.' Today, the nation is deeply mourned by the loss of a pioneer who played an endless role in the country's democratic path." The BNP Acting Chairman added: "To me, Khaleda Zia was a compassionate mother who dedicated her entire life to the country and its people. Throughout her life, she fought against autocracy, fascism, and hegemonism; she led the struggle to establish independence, sovereignty, and democracy." A Life of Sacrifice Tarique Rahman highlighted her resilience despite personal hardship: "Even while shining through sacrifice and struggle, she was the true guardian of our family—a beacon whose immense love provided strength and inspiration during our hardest times. She was arrested repeatedly, deprived of medical treatment, and subjected to extreme persecution. Yet, amidst pain, loneliness, and uncertainty, she instilled indomitable courage, empathy, and patriotism in every family member." He further noted that for the sake of the country, she lost her husband and her son. "Therefore, this country and its people were her family, her essence, and her existence. She leaves behind an unforgettable history of public service, sacrifice, and struggle that will remain immortal in Bangladesh's democratic journey." Tarique Rahman concluded by requesting prayers: "I ask you all to pray for my mother. My family and I are forever grateful for the emotion, love, and global respect shown toward her by the countrymen." Passing and Tributes Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00 AM on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and leaders of various political parties have expressed deep grief over her death. The BNP has announced a seven-day mourning program. A Legacy Under Pressure During the 16-year rule of the Awami League, Khaleda Zia faced prolonged persecution and imprisonment. She was denied adequate medical treatment, leading to a gradual decline in her health. Although she was later released under conditional terms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she remained confined to her rented residence, 'Firoza,' in Gulshan. Denied specialized care during the previous regime, she developed multiple complications, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney issues. Following the student-led mass uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, President Mohammed Shahabuddin released Khaleda Zia on August 6. On January 7 of this year, she traveled to London for advanced medical treatment. After a 117-day stay, she returned to Bangladesh on May 6. While her health initially showed signs of improvement, the cumulative toll of her various illnesses and advanced age made her increasingly frail. She was most recently admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23, where she remained for over a month until her passing.

Plans are being formulated to lay BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia to rest beside the grave of her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman. On Tuesday (December 30), BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed shared this information regarding the preliminary funeral arrangements. He stated that following the funeral prayers (Janaza) at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, Khaleda Zia may be buried at Zia Uddan, located adjacent to the Parliament Building area, where the tomb of late President Ziaur Rahman is situated. Read More All Efforts Fail: Khaleda Zia Passes Away The former Prime Minister passed away at 6:00 AM today while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Her death has triggered a wave of profound grief across the country. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, along with leaders from various political parties, has expressed deep condolences. In honor of her memory, the BNP has officially announced a seven-day period of mourning nationwide.