An unprecedented wave of mourning swept through the capital on Wednesday as millions of people poured into Manik Mia Avenue and surrounding areas to attend the final funeral prayer (janaza) of former prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. From early morning until late afternoon, the entire stretch of the iconic avenue and its adjoining roads turned into a sea of humanity, reflecting the depth of public emotion surrounding the passing of one of Bangladesh’s most influential political figures. By 2:00 pm, Manik Mia Avenue, Victory Sarani, Khamarbari, Karwan Bazar, Farmgate, Shahbagh, and parts of Mohammadpur were completely packed with people. Thousands stood wherever space was available-on sidewalks, road dividers, flyovers, and even atop boundary walls-just to catch a glimpse of the funeral procession or to silently offer prayers for the departed leader.
The Namaz-e-Janaza of BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was held at Manik Mia Avenue near the National Parliament on Wednesday, with the participation of lakhs of people.
The funeral prayer took place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, popularly known as Manik Mia Avenue, at around 3:03 pm. It was led by Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram.
President Md Shahabuddin, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, local and foreign political leaders, diplomats, and millions of people attended the funeral prayer of Begum Khaleda Zia. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, chiefs of various forces, and senior leaders of all major political parties were also present.
Prior to the Namaz-e-Janaza, her eldest son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman sought prayers from the people of the country for his mother.
In a brief speech, he said, “I am Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of the late Begum Khaleda Zia. If she borrowed from anyone during her lifetime, please contact me. God willing, I will make arrangements to repay it.”
He also added that if anyone was hurt by any of her actions or words during her lifetime, he apologized to them on her behalf, and urged everyone to pray that Allah Almighty grants her Jannah.
Since Wednesday morning, a massive crowd from Dhaka, its surrounding areas, and different parts of the country had been gathering at Manik Mia Avenue to pay their last respects. On the ground, it was seen that not only the National Parliament area but also nearby localities-including Khamarbari, Asadgate, and Farmgate-were filled with people.
Earlier, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan presented the life and work of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia ahead of the funeral. He delivered a written speech from the stage at around 2:45 pm, highlighting her birth, family life, marriage to martyred President Ziaur Rahman, entry into politics, and her role in democratic movements.
Earlier, at 11:50 am, the body of Begum Khaleda Zia was brought to Manik Mia Avenue. A heartbreaking scene unfolded there. Family members were present in a red-green bus with the body wrapped in the national flag. BNP Chairperson’s eldest son Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman and other family members were present at the funeral.
Police, RAB and 27 platoons of BGB were deployed to ensure flawless security in the Parliament Building and Manik Mia Avenue areas on the occasion of the funeral. After the funeral, the body is now being taken to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. She will be buried with full state honors next to the grave of martyred President Ziaur Rahman at 3:30 pm.
A Historic Turnout: BNP leaders claimed the turnout was one of the largest funeral gatherings in the country’s history, rivaling the attendance seen during landmark national moments. Supporters arrived from across the country, many traveling overnight by bus, train, and even on foot to attend the final farewell.
“This is not just a party program. This is the farewell of a national leader,” a senior BNP leader and former BNP President of Islamic University told Daily Industry,
Mirza mentioned that people began gathering around Manik Mia Avenue shortly after dawn, long before the scheduled janaza. Many carried portraits of Khaleda Zia, while others waved BNP flags or wore black badges as a symbol of mourning.
Presence of Chief Adviser and National Figures: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus attended the janaza, marking a rare moment of national unity amid years of political polarization. His presence was widely seen as symbolic, reflecting Khaleda Zia’s stature beyond partisan boundaries.
Several former ministers, diplomats, civil society representatives, academics, and professionals were also present. Foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka sent condolences, while some attended quietly without formal protocol.
Security around the Parliament area was heightened, with multiple layers of police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and armed forces personnel deployed to prevent any untoward incident.
Voices from the Crowd: For many attendees, the janaza was deeply personal. People described Khaleda Zia not merely as a political leader, but as a symbol of resistance, dignity, and sacrifice.
“She suffered so much, yet she never bowed her head,” said SM Mizanur Rahman, Central Leader and former BNP President of Islamic University I stood under the sun for hours, but this pain is nothing compared to what she endured in prison,” he told Daily Industry.
A young university student, Fahim Rahman, said he was not even born when Khaleda Zia first became prime minister, yet felt compelled to attend. “My parents taught me about her struggle against dictatorship. Today, I came to pay respect to that history,” he said, wiping away tears.
Women mourners were also visible in large numbers, many describing Khaleda Zia as an inspiration. “She showed that a woman can survive and lead in the cruel world of politics,” said Shirin Akhter, a homemaker from Narayanganj. “Her life gives us courage,” she told Daily Industry.
Overwhelming Public Emotion: As the coffin was brought to the janaza ground, chants of “Khaleda Zia Zindabad” echoed across Manik Mia Avenue. Many in the crowd broke down in tears, while others raised their hands in silent prayer.
“I have never seen anything like this,” said the emerging BNP leader at Mirpur-7 Md Rubel, “People are standing peacefully despite extreme crowding. Everyone understands the gravity of this moment,” he said in a Daily Industry quote.
Despite logistical challenges, no major incidents was reported, though several elderly attendees fainted due to heat exhaustion and were assisted by volunteers and medical teams, said Md Jashim, a bus driver.
Md. Saiful Islam, a common man said, “I came here to join the last funeral of uncompromising leader Begum Khaleda Zia
BNP Leaders Speak: Senior BNP leaders described the turnout as a testament to Khaleda Zia’s enduring popularity and moral authority.
“This gathering proves that Khaleda Zia lives in the hearts of the people,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters after the janaza. “She fought for democracy, and the people have returned that love today.”
Another BNP standing committee member said Khaleda Zias life would be remembered not by power, but by sacrifice. “She could have lived abroad in comfort. Instead, she chose imprisonment, illness, and suffering in Bangladesh. That is why people have come in millions,” he told Daily Industry.
Ordinary Citizens Share Their Grief: Among the mourners were rickshaw pullers, garment workers, shopkeepers, farmers, students, and professionals-reflecting Khaleda Zia’s broad appeal across social classes.
“I closed my shop today,” said Md Selim, a small trader from Karwan Bazar. “Profit can wait. Respect cannot,” he said in a Daily Industry quote.
Garment worker Rokeya Begum traveled from Gazipur with her colleagues. “She was the first woman prime minister. That means something to us,” Rokeya said. “Even when she was sick, she never left the country,” she added.
A Funeral Beyond Politics: Political analysts observed that the funeral transcended party lines, becoming a rare moment of collective national reflection.
“This janaza has turned into a referendum on Khaleda Zia’s political legacy,” said political analyst Dr. Anisur Rahman. “The turnout shows that despite years of repression, her connection with the people remained intact,” he told Daily Industry. Another analyst noted that such a massive gathering after years of political suppression carries significant implications for Bangladesh’s future political landscape.
Traffic Chaos, Yet Public Cooperation: Traffic across central Dhaka came to a near standstill for several hours. Major arteries remained blocked as crowds overflowed onto roads. Yet, most commuters showed patience and understanding. “This is a historic day,” said private employee Hasan Mahmud. “We are stuck in traffic, but no one is complaining,” he said to Daily Industry. Authorities later diverted traffic and gradually restored movement after the janaza concluded.
Final Journey and Farewell: After the janaza, Khaleda Zia’s body was taken for burial amid tight security and continued public presence along the route. People lined the streets, offering final prayers as the hearse passed by. Many raised their hands, some cried openly, while others stood silently with bowed heads.
“This feels like the end of an era,” said retired government officer Md Jamal Uddin. “Whether you supported her or not, you cannot deny her place in history,” he told Daily Industry.
A Moment That Will Be Remembered: As evening approached and the crowds slowly dispersed, Manik Mia Avenue bore silent witness to a day that will be etched into Bangladesh’s collective memory. Discarded flowers, prayer mats, and banners remained scattered across the vast grounds-mute symbols of a nation’s farewell to one of its most consequential leaders.
For many, Khaleda Zia’s janaza was not just a religious ritual but a powerful expression of public emotion, political history, and collective remembrance. “She belonged to the people,” said elderly mourner Abdul Gafur, leaning on a walking stick. “And today, the people came to return her to Allah with dignity,” he told Daily Industry.
