Bangladeshis Pay Last Respects to Former Leader in Tense Capital

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Saif Hasnat and Anupreeta DasDecember 31, 2025 at 03:40 PM

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Large crowds in Dhaka, Bangladesh, gathered on Wednesday to pay their respects to Khaleda Zia, the country's first female prime minister, who died a day earlier. The funeral procession, escorted by a large army presence due to recent political violence, took two hours to reach Parliament, where funeral prayers were held. Zia was then buried next to her husband, Ziaur Rahman, a former leader. Her death occurs weeks before a general election on February 12, the first since a student revolution toppled the previous government in August 2024. The event's somber atmosphere contrasted with the recent political unrest in Dhaka. Zia and Sheikh Hasina were longtime rivals.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reuters 30% Associated Press 30% Parliament ×240% Sheikh Hasina ×260% Ziaur Rahman 60% Dhaka ×370% Bangladesh ×590% Khaleda Zia ×895%

Keywords

khaleda zia 100% bangladesh 90% funeral 80% political violence 70% general election 70% dhaka 60% political dynasties 60% prime minister 50% sheikh hasina 50%