Jaishankar Leads Indian Delegation at Khaleda Zia’s Funeral as Massive Public Turnout Swells
Updated (2 articles)
Death and National Mourning Declared Khaleda Zia, former BNP leader, died at 6:00 a.m. on 30 December 2025 after a prolonged illness [2]. The interim government announced three days of national mourning and a one‑day general holiday, while the BNP proclaimed seven days of official mourning [2]. Funeral prayers were scheduled for Wednesday, 31 December, at the Parliament’s South Plaza with full state honours and burial beside her husband Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan [2].
Funeral Arrangements and Security Deployment The funeral prayers began at 2 p.m. on 31 December at Manik Mia Avenue outside the Parliament complex, with the coffin placed at the west end of the avenue [1]. Approximately 10,000 security personnel, including soldiers, were deployed to manage the crowd and secure the venue [1]. After the prayers, the burial took place around 3:30 p.m., accompanied by state honours and a ceremonial guard [1][2].
High‑Level Diplomatic Attendance India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on a special flight to represent the Indian government at the funeral [1]. He was joined by foreign ministers from Nepal (Bala Nanda Sharma), Bhutan (Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel), Sri Lanka (Vijitha Herath), and the Maldives (Ali Haidar Ahmed), as well as numerous ambassadors [1]. Their presence highlighted the regional diplomatic significance of Zia’s death and Bangladesh’s ties with neighboring states [1].
Public Turnout Reflects Enduring Influence Thousands of mourners gathered along the approach routes and outside the national parliament, underscoring Zia’s lasting impact on Bangladeshi politics [1]. Among the crowd, a retired official and a mother of two cited her leadership and policies such as education stipends for girls as reasons for their respect [1]. The massive turnout reinforced her status as a dominant figure in the country’s recent history [1].
Consistent Reporting Across Sources Both Hindu articles agree on the date of death (30 December 2025), the funeral date (31 December), and the involvement of Jaishankar and other South Asian dignitaries. The only minor variation is the description of the funeral venue: one article references the “South Plaza” while the other mentions “Manik Mia Avenue” at the Parliament complex, both referring to the same general area [1][2].
Sources
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1.
The Hindu: Khaleda Zia's funeral prayers held in Dhaka amid tight security as Jaishankar arrives to represent India — Details the funeral schedule, massive security deployment, Jaishankar’s arrival, and attendance by South Asian diplomats, emphasizing the event’s diplomatic weight .
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The Hindu: Bangladesh's Khaleda Zia dies after prolonged illness; three-day mourning declared — Announces Zia’s death, national mourning periods, funeral planning with state honours, and India’s decision to send Jaishankar, focusing on political reactions and mourning protocols .
Timeline
Dec 30, 2025 – Khaleda Zia dies at 6:00 a.m. after a prolonged illness, ending a decades‑long political career; Bangladesh declares three days of national mourning and a one‑day general holiday, while the interim government’s Advisory Council schedules a state‑honoured funeral for the following day [2].
Dec 30, 2025 – India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is slated to travel to Dhaka on 31 December to represent the Indian government at Zia’s funeral, highlighting the bilateral significance of the event [2].
Dec 30, 2025 – Prominent Indian politicians, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, issue condolences, and BNP chief Tarique Rahman posts a tribute praising Zia’s leadership; the BNP later announces seven days of official mourning [2].
Dec 31, 2025 – Khaleda Zia’s coffin arrives at Firoza in Gulshan, where family members and relatives pay their last respects before the Namaz‑e‑Janaza is set for the afternoon [1].
Dec 31, 2025 – Funeral prayers (Namaz‑e‑Janaza) commence at 2 p.m. on Manik Mia Avenue outside the Parliament complex, with the coffin placed at the west end, and about 10,000 security personnel deployed to maintain order [1].
Dec 31, 2025 – After the prayers, Zia is scheduled to be laid to rest with state honours beside her husband Ziaur Rahman at 3:30 p.m., fulfilling the burial plan announced the previous day [1].
Dec 31, 2025 – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar lands in Dhaka on a special flight, is received by the Indian High Commissioner, and attends the funeral, underscoring India’s diplomatic engagement [1].
Dec 31, 2025 – High‑level dignitaries from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, including Nepalese FM Bala Nanda Sharma and Bhutan’s Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, attend the ceremony, reflecting regional participation [1].
Dec 31, 2025 – Massive crowds gather along the parliamentary approach routes, with mourners recalling Zia’s “leadership and the policies she championed, including education stipends for girls,” illustrating her enduring influence on Bangladeshi society [1].