Bangladesh: Zia Funeral On Wednesday, Younis Announces Three-day State Mourning

Dhaka: The Bangladesh administration will hold the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Wednesday who will be put to rest beside her husband, late president Ziaur Rahman, with full state honours

In a statement on Tuesday, the interim government led by Mohammed Younis announced said on Tuesday.

Zia, who had been elected prime minister three times, breathed her last in Dhaka on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. She was 80.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul informed the local media that the funeral will be held after the Zohr prayers at the Parliament's South Plaza and the adjoining Manik Mia Avenue.

The former prime minister will be buried at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, beside the grave of her husband, BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

What did Younis say on Zia funeral?

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who is heading the interim administration, has announced a three-day state mourning and a general holiday in Zia’s honour. 

"At the death of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, I declare three days of state mourning and a one-day general holiday tomorrow on the day of her Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayers)," he said in a statement.

"I know that all of you are deeply saddened at this time. I hope that you will show patience during this time of mourning and cooperate with all those concerned who are involved in observing the formalities, including her Namaz-e-Janaza," the statement added.

How have political leaders in India, Bangladesh reacted?

Several political leaders in both India and Bangladesh have condoled the death of the former Bangladesh PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the homage to Zia while Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina also expressed their grief.

"Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss," Modi said in a statement on social media.

"As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered. I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," he added.

Rahul Gandho wrote on X, "Saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. Over her long career in public life, she played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political journey. My heartfelt condolences to her family, supporters, and the people of Bangladesh."

On her part, Banerjee said in her message, "Saddened by the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a prominent public leader. I extend my condolences to her family, friends and followers."

Hasina, a long time rival of Zia, also expressed her condolences.

"I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to establish democracy, her contributions to the nation were significant and will be remembered. Her passing represents a profound loss for Bangladesh’s political life and for the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party," Hasina wrote on her X handle. 
"I pray for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul. I convey my sincere sympathies to her son, Tarique Rahman, and to the members of her bereaved family. I also extend my condolences to the wider BNP family. I hope that Almighty Allah grants them patience, strength, and comfort to endure this difficult time," the statement added.