"Thousands of mourners and supporters gathered in Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the funeral prayers of Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former prime minister, who died on Tuesday aged 80 after suffering from multiple chronic illnesses. Footage shows large crowds taking part in funeral prayers, with supporters later seen waving Bangladeshi flags as they paid tribute to the veteran political leader. Supporters reflected on Zia’s political journey and legacy. Ataur Rahman, a local resident, said she had risen from a domestic life into national politics. “Khaleda has come from a housewife to politics and taken over the party,” he said. He added that she gradually strengthened the BNP and that her death had left a void “not only in our nationalist party but also in Bangladesh”, which he said could never be filled. Another mourner, Alam Bepari, said Zia consistently prioritised the country’s people. “Khaleda Zia has always kept the people of the country in her care,” he said. “She did not run away, leaving the people of the country.” Bepari also noted that she had endured personal tragedy, including the death of her youngest son, adding that she “did not condone any wrongdoing just for the sake of the country”. Following her death, Bangladesh’s interim authorities announced three days of national mourning. Zia had been admitted to a hospital in Dhaka on November 23 after experiencing breathing difficulties and was later placed on life support as her condition deteriorated. She was Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and served three terms in office. Despite prolonged illness, Zia had vowed to campaign ahead of the 2026 general elections, with the BNP widely regarded as a leading contender."