Bangladesh to give state funeral for ex-PM Khaleda Zia; 3-day mourning period declared
<p>Bangladesh has announced a <strong>state funeral</strong> for former Prime Minister and veteran political leader <strong>Begum Khaleda Zia</strong>, along with a <strong>three-day period of national mourning</strong> beginning December 31, 2025. The interim government declared the mourning period in recognition of her long and influential role in the country’s politics. Khaleda Zia, who served multiple terms as Bangladesh’s prime minister, passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. </p><p>Chief Adviser <strong>Muhammad Yunus</strong>, speaking in a televised address to the nation, expressed profound sorrow at her passing and announced that the entire country will observe three days of state mourning. In addition, December 31 has been declared a general public holiday to allow citizens to pay their respects on the day of her funeral prayers. </p><p>As part of the mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government and private buildings, educational institutions, and Bangladesh missions abroad. The funeral prayers — <i>Namaz-e-Janaza</i> — are scheduled to be held after midday prayers in Dhaka, with Khaleda Zia to be laid to rest beside her late husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. </p><p>The state funeral will be conducted with full honours, and foreign dignitaries from across the region are expected to attend the ceremony. During the mourning period, special prayers are planned in mosques throughout the country, and condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh diplomatic missions overseas for people to express their grief. </p><p>The announcement of the state funeral and mourning reflects Khaleda Zia’s significant impact on Bangladesh’s political landscape, where she remains a key figure in the nation’s democratic history.</p>