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Khaleda Zia Funeral News Live Updates: Bangladesh chief advisor Yunus posts picture of Jaishankar ‘greeting’ Pak Assembly Speaker

Begum Khaleda Zia Funeral News Today Live Updates: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has left Dhaka after attending the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

JaishankarSardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, exchanges greetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Dhaka.

Khaleda Zia Funeral News Live Updates: Bangladesh chief advisor Muhammad Yunus shared photos of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar greeting Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq ahead of the funeral of Khaleda Zia. Former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, a central figure in the country’s politics for more than three decades and the first woman to lead the government, died at the age of 80, on Tuesday.  The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman was laid to rest beside her husband former president Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka. Zia’s nomination for the February 12 elections was filed a day before her death from the Feni-1 constituency.

Who was Khaleda Zia?: Khaleda Zia served three terms as Prime Minister — from 1991 to 1996, briefly in 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006. Her long political rivalry with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shaped Bangladesh’s politics for a generation. During her first term, her government restored the parliamentary system and expanded access to education, including free primary schooling and free education for girls up to Class 10. Her son Tarique Rahman, who is currently the acting chairman of the BNP, returned to Bangladesh last week after 17 years abroad. Her political career was marked by periods of imprisonment, illness and long legal battles, alongside repeated confrontations between the BNP and the ruling Awami League.

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What has been happening in Bangladesh?: Khaleda Zia’s death comes ahead of elections scheduled for February 12. In recent months, Bangladesh has seen political tension and public debate around governance, democracy and minority rights. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) last week expressed concern over what it termed “unremitting hostilities” against minorities in Bangladesh, following the lynching of two Hindu men. However, Dhaka rejected criticism from New Delhi over attacks on minorities, saying India’s comments overlooked Bangladesh’s history of communal harmony. At the same time, opposition politics has shifted with Tarique Rahman’s return, which BNP members say has energised party workers ahead of the polls.

Live Updates
Dec 31, 2025 07:19 PM IST
Khaleda Zia Funeral News Live Updates: Khaleda Zia used a space given to her, but shrank it

A stateswoman in 20th-century South Asia was invariably dynastic. So was Khaleda Zia, who passed away in the early hours of 30 December But the commonalities between the tallest South Asian stateswomen — Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Sheikh Hasina, and Khaleda Zia — went much beyond the boundedness of their origins. While they all started off in the shadow of a man, each of them ended up reshaping the country in their own way.

It was the events set off by the massacre of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family that eventually catapulted Hasina and Khaleda into politics. The saga would come full circle with the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda’s husband, after which she would enter politics with a vengeance. Khaleda made full use of her newly gained space, to the surprise of many who dismissed her as just another rich housewife. She expanded the BNP into a militant grassroots force, allying with anyone who could keep up with its militancy, except the Awami League. The military dictator, H M Ershad, was her singular focus. Read more

Dec 31, 2025 06:14 PM IST
Khaleda Zia Funeral News Live Updates: Sea of humanity pours in for Khaleda Zia's funeral

Tens of thousands of mourners from across Bangladesh converged to pay their final respects to three-time prime minister Khaleda Zia at the Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Scenes of deep sorrow were visible with thousands of mourners seen weeping openly, said state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

As the influx of BNP leaders and supporters in the capital intensified by Tuesday night, authorities struggled to manage the massive crowds. A large number of law enforcement personnel, including police and members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBN), were deployed, The Daily Star newspaper said.

PTI

Dec 31, 2025 05:27 PM IST
Khaleda Zia Funeral News Live Updates: Bangladesh chief advisor Yunus posts picture of Jaishankar ‘greeting’ Pak Assembly Speaker

Bangladesh chief advisor Muhammad Yunus shared photos of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar greeting Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq ahead of the funeral of Khaleda Zia.

https://twitter.com/ChiefAdviserGoB/status/2006319090089210170?s=20

Dec 31, 2025 05:14 PM IST
Khaleda Zia funeral news LIVE updates: Jaishankar leaves Dhaka

"As Hon External Affairs Minister HE Dr @DrSJaishankar left Dhaka following a whirlwind 4-hr visit, #bangladesh & #india would look forward to script a new chapter in Bangladesh India ties, in shared interests driven by pragmatism and mutual interdependence, as indeed briefly discussed with Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP Acting Chair, Tarique Rahman , this afternoon. @BDMOFA @MEAIndia," Bangladesh High Commissioner to India said in a post on X.

https://twitter.com/hamidullah_riaz/status/2006323127773741165?s=20

Dec 31, 2025 05:02 PM IST
Khaleda Zia funeral news LIVE updates: Muhammad Yunus attends funeral prayer of Khaleda Zia

The funeral prayer for Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a three-time former Prime Minister, was held today, Wednesday, at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus attended the funeral prayer of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh said in a post on X.

Dec 31, 2025 03:41 PM IST
Khaleda Zia funeral news LIVE updates: Bangladesh ex-PM laid to rest amid high security

Khaleda Zia has been laid to rest. The funeral prayer (namaz-e-janaza) was held at the Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday afternoon.

Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Khatib Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek conducted the funeral prayers while Bangladesh Nationalist Party's Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan read out a brief biography of Zia.

Dec 31, 2025 01:04 PM IST
Khaleda Zia funeral news LIVE updates: Jaishankar reaches Dhaka for former PM's funeral, conveys PM's condolence to Tarique Rahman

EAM S Jaishankar has reached Dhaka for the funeral of former Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia. He handed over a letter of condolence from Prime Minister Modi to Zia's son Tarique Rahman.

Dec 31, 2025 12:24 PM IST
Khaleda Zia funeral news LIVE updates: Border Guard Bangladesh deploys 27 platoons across Dhaka to boost security ahead of funeral

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed as many as 27 platoons across Dhaka to strengthen security ahead of Khaleda Zia's funeral. People from across Bangladesh have gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in front of the Bangladesh Parliament to pay their respects to Zia.

Dec 31, 2025 11:32 AM IST
Khaleda Zia funeral news LIVE updates: Former Bangladesh PM's body reaches Parliament complex

Khaleda Zia's body has reached the Bangladesh Parliament complex. Ciitzens will be able to pay their respects to the former Bangladesh PM here. Zia's funeral will be held shortly after the prayers.

Dec 31, 2025 10:31 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Khaleda Zia's funeral procession to be held at 2 PM in front of Parliament

Khaleda Zia's body was taken to her son Tarique Rahman's residence 'Gulshan' in the morning. The acting chairman of BNP recited verses from the Quran and offered prayers. Zia's mortal remains were taken to Gulshan in a hearse draped with the national flag.

BNP leaders and family members will pay their respects at Gulshan. Zia's body will be taken to Manik Mia Avenue in front of the Bangladesh Parliament for the namaz-e-janaza (funeral prayers) around 2 PM.

Dec 31, 2025 10:24 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Former Bangladesh PM to be laid to rest today beside Husband Ziaur Rahman, Jaishankar to attend funeral

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia will be buried later today next to her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, with India confirming official representation at her funeral. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Dhaka to attend the funeral.

Her namaz-e-janaza will be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, after which she will be laid to rest.

Zia passed away at 6 AM on Tuesday. She was suffering from multiple conditions for a long time and ultimately succumbed to a cardiac arrest, doctors at Evercare Hospital, where she was admitted, said.

Dec 31, 2025 12:21 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live update: Bangladesh Supreme Court declares holiday

The Appellate Division and the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court will observe a general holiday on Wednesday following the death of Khaleda Zia.

Dec 31, 2025 12:05 AM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live update: Khaleda Zia to be laid to rest beside Ziaur Rahman

Khaleda Zia will be buried with state honours beside the grave of her husband, martyred president Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan near Chandrima Udyan in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon.

Dec 30, 2025 10:26 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live update: What will be the route through which Khaleda Zia's body will be taken during funeral procession

According to a press release by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Khaleda Zia's body will be taken from Evercare Hospital, to the 36 July Expressway. Thereafter, it will cross the the Kuril Flyover and pass the Naval headquarters.

The funeral procession would eventually proceed to Zia's residence 'Feroza' in the Gulshan-2 area, Prothom Alo reported.

Dec 30, 2025 09:36 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live update: Dhaka, Chittagong University suspend academic activities to mourn Khaleda Zia's death

Dhaka University, Chittagong University and Jahangirnagar University have suspended their academic and administrative activities and postponed examinations following the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away after suffering cardiac arrest on Tuesday, Daily Star reported.

Dec 30, 2025 09:13 PM IST
Khaleda Zia death news live update: What all will remain closed in Bangladesh tomorrow amid state-mourning and public holiday

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus led interim government of Bangladesh has announced three-days of state mourning and a public holiday on Wednesday following the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia earlier in the day.

Here's a list of what all will remain closed tomorrow in Bangladesh:

  • Banks will remains closed.
  • Non-banking financial institutions will also remain closed.
  • Bangladesh's stock exchanges will remain shut.
  • Garment and knitwear factories will be closed as per notice from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Daily Star reported.
    • Dec 30, 2025 07:54 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Foreign diplomats sign condolence book for Khaleda Zia at the BNP office

    Foreign diplomats, including ambassadors and high commissioners, are signing a condolence book that has been opened at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan after the death of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, Daily Star reported.

    Dec 30, 2025 07:00 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Thousands of mourners gather at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar ahead of Zia's burial scheduled for tomorrow

    Thousands of mourners have gathered at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar ahead of the burial of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, who passed away earlier in the day after suffering cardiac arrest. Her funeral is scheduled to be held at 2pm tomorrow at the South Plaza of the Parliament complex on Manik Mia Avenu.

    Zia would be laid to rest with full state honours beside her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, on Wednesday.

    Dec 30, 2025 06:15 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: MEA releases statement announcing EAM Jaishankar to attend Zia's funeral tomorrow

    The Ministry of External Affairs has released a statement on Tuesday that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away earlier in the day after suffering cardiac arrest.

    The MEA said, "The External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He will accordingly visit Dhaka on 31 December 2025."

    Dec 30, 2025 06:09 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Global tributes pour in for Bangladesh ex-PM Zia, leaders recall her political legacy

    Countries across the globe, including the US, China, and India, on Tuesday recalled Khaleda Zia's decades-long role in shaping Bangladesh's politics as they expressed deep sorrow over the death of the former prime minister.

    Zia, the longtime chief of Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) and a three-time prime minister, died earlier in the day in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. She was 80.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Zia's death, saying that as the first woman premier of Bangladesh, her important contributions towards the development of the country.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang described Zia as a veteran politician and an "old friend" of the Chinese people who played an important role in advancing relations between Bangladesh and China during her tenure as prime minister.

    - PTI

    Dec 30, 2025 06:04 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: S Jaishankar to attend Khaleda Zia's funeral tomorrow

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to attend former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's funeral on December 31, PTI reported.

    Dec 30, 2025 04:52 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Sheikha Hasina pays tribute to Zia, says 'A profound loss'

    Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed condolences on the demise of her arch rival Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday after suffering cardiac arrest. In her message, Hasina described Zia as a significant figure in the country's political history.

    "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. It is a profound loss for Bangladesh's political life," Hasina said.

    Dec 30, 2025 03:26 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman mourns her passing away, says, 'She devoted her life to the country'

    After the passing away of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique Rahman mourned her death and said she devoted her entire life to the country and its people.

    Reacting to the passing away of her mother in a post on X, Rahman wrote, "To many, she was the leader of the nation, an uncompromising leader, the Mother of Democracy, the Mother of Bangladesh. Today, the country mourns the loss of a guiding presence that shaped its democratic aspirations."

    Rahman added, "To me, Khaleda Zia was a tender and loving mother who devoted her entire life to the country and its people. Throughout her life, she stood firm against autocracy, fascism, and domination, leading the struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and the restoration of democracy."

    Dec 30, 2025 03:16 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Khaleda Zia's funeral to be held at 2pm tomorrow, says BNP Secretary Mirza Fakhrul

    Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's funeral is scheduled to be held at 2pm on December 31 at the South Plaza of the Parliament complex on Manik Mia Avenu, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday, Daily Star reported.

    Dec 30, 2025 03:04 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin mourns former PM Khaleda Zia's death

    Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has mourned the passing away of former Prime Minister of the country, Khaleda Zia, who died due to cardiac arrest on Tuesday.

    Shahabuddin expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Zia, PTI reported.

    Dec 30, 2025 02:58 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Khaleda Zia's funeral to be held on December 31, Bangladesh announces three-day state funeral

    Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's funeral would be held on December 31 and the country's Chief Advisor to the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, announced that three-day state funeral has been announced and a one-day public holiday.

    Zia passed away on Tuesday after suffering from cardiac arrest. During a televised address, Yunus said the nation has lost a guardian with Khaleda Zia's passing, Daily Star reported.

    Dec 30, 2025 02:11 PM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Khaleda Zia died of cardiac arrest, says Evercare doctor

    Doctor FM Siddique of Evercare Hospital said Khaleda Zia suffered a cardiac arrest. "Our duty is to keep her in the mortuary until the government and the party decide what needs to be done now," he said.

    Dec 30, 2025 11:33 AM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Md Yunus says Zia was a symbol of resistance under 'fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina'

    The Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, expressed sorrow at the death of Begum Khaleda Zia — three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the BNP. In a condolence message, the Yunus said that with the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, "the nation has lost a great guardian. I am deeply saddened and grief-stricken by her death."

    He further said that during Sheikh Hasina’s fascist rule, Begum Khaleda Zia stood as a unique symbol of struggle and resistance. Her uncompromising stance greatly inspired the nation throughout a long period of struggle.

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    Dec 30, 2025 10:37 AM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: US says Zia shaped Bangladesh's modern history, extends condolences

    US offers condolences over the death of Khaleda Zia: "Mrs. Zia played a pivotal role in shaping her country’s modern history, and her leadership was instrumental in advancing Bangladesh’s development," the US embassy in Dhaka stated.

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    Dec 30, 2025 10:33 AM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live update: Big blow to BNP and nation, says party leader

    BNP general secretary Mirza Islam was quoted as saying by news agency ANI: "This is a great setback for BNP and for the entire nation because Begum Khaleda was not an ordinary leader of BNP. She was the guardian of the whole nation, especially at this juncture of transition to democracy. This is a great loss for the nation as a whole. As in the past, the people of Bangladesh could come out successfully with all their problems. This time too, they will also come out with the inspiration taken from Begum Khaleda, who was a great, great democratic leader. The nation will never forget her."

    Dec 30, 2025 10:09 AM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Khaleda Zia terms as Prime Minister

    First Term (1991–1996): Introduced major economic reforms, restructured local government, and restored parliamentary governance. Lost the 1996 election to Sheikh Hasina.

    Second Term (2001–2006): Formed an alliance with Islamist parties and won nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats. Introduced a constitutional amendment reserving 45 seats for female MPs and promoted girls’ education. Her administration faced allegations of corruption and a rise in militant activity.

    Dec 30, 2025 10:07 AM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live updates: PM Modi expresses sorrow over former Bangladesh PM's death, says 'hope her vision & legacy will continue to guide partnership'

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sorrow over the passing of Khaleda Zia. "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. 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," PM Modi said.

    Dec 30, 2025 09:46 AM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Pakistan Dy PM Ishaq Dar offers condolences

    Pakistan Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has mourned the death 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," he said in an X post.

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    Dec 30, 2025 09:40 AM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Zia's funeral procession likely to be held tomorrow, says BNP leader

    Dhaka Tribune quoted BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed as saying that Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza (funeral procession and prayers) may be held on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka tomorrow, December 31. The Manik Mia Avenue is the road directly in front of the Bangladesh National Parliament House.

    Dec 30, 2025 09:34 AM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Who was Khaleda Zia?

    Zia served three terms as prime minister — from 1991 to 1996, briefly in 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006. Her long political rivalry with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shaped Bangladesh’s politics for a generation.

    During her first term, her government restored the parliamentary system and expanded access to education, including free primary schooling and free education for girls up to Class 10. Her administrations also introduced economic and administrative reforms and sought to draw foreign investment. Her son Tarique Rahman, who is currently the acting chairman of the BNP, returned to Bangladesh last week after 17 years abroad.

    Zia faced several corruption cases that she said were politically motivated. Reuters reported that in January 2025, the Supreme Court acquitted her in the final pending case, which would have allowed her to run in the February election.

    Dec 30, 2025 09:14 AM IST
    Khaleda Zia death news live updates: Khaleda Zia, Former Bangladesh PM and BNP chief, dies at 80

    Khaleda ‍Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, at 6 AM. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party ​announced her death in a Facebook post. She was 80.

    Zia served as Bangladesh’s prime minister three times — 1991-96, briefly in 1996, and again from 2001-06 — and is widely remembered for expanding access to education and initiating key economic and administrative reforms.

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