Key points
- Interim leader urges calm and disciplined funeral observance nationwide
- Zia to be buried beside her late husband Ziaur Rahman
- BNP poised for 2026 elections
DHAKA, Bangladesh: Bangladesh has declared three days of state mourning for former prime minister Khaleda Zia, with her funeral to be held on Wednesday.
Zia, aged 80, died in hospital on Tuesday morning.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, in a television broadcast to the nation, appealed for calm.
“I humbly appeal to everyone to maintain discipline while observing all forms of mourning, including the funeral prayers. I know you are all deeply emotional at this time,” Yunus said.
“I hope that during this difficult period, you will show utmost patience and support one another in carrying out her last rites, including the funeral.”
Asif Nazrul, who holds the law portfolio in the interim government, said the funeral prayers would be held in front of parliament after midday prayers, and that Zia would then be buried alongside her late husband, Ziaur Rahman.
Political turmoil
The Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people has been in political turmoil since a student-led revolt overthrew Sheikh Hasina as prime minister in August 2024, ending her 15-year autocratic rule.
Despite years of ill health and imprisonment, Zia vowed in November to campaign as a candidate for her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in elections set for February 2026.
The BNP is widely seen as a frontrunner, and Zia’s son Tarique Rahman, who returned only on Thursday after 17 years in exile, is seen as a potential prime minister if they win a majority.
Pakistan condoles Khaleda Zia’s death
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia.
In a post on X handle, President Zardari extended heartfelt condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh. He said her leadership and services will be remembered with respect. He prayed for the departed soul.
President Asif Ali Zardari is deeply grieved by the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He extends heartfelt condolences to her family & the people of Bangladesh. Her leadership & services will be remembered with respect. May her soul rest in peace.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 30, 2025
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharif said the lifelong service of the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh to her country and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy.
In a post on X, PM Sharif said Khaleda Zia was a committed friend of Pakistan. He said Pakistan stands with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow.
He said our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time. He prayed for the departed soul.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the BNP and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy.
Begum Zia was a committed friend of Pakistan. My Government and the…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) December 30, 2025
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, conveyed heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Khaleda Zia.
Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
May Allah SWT grant her high place in Jannah and patience to the bereaved family. Ameen.🤲 pic.twitter.com/aiJITyhzlW
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) December 30, 2025
