Khaleda Zia’s funeral draws global media attention

The death of Begum Khaleda Zia has marked the end of a political chapter in Bangladesh. After the assassination of her husband, president Ziaur Rahman, she entered national politics and remained actively engaged in the struggle for democracy and national interests.

After a prolonged stay in hospital, Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. She was laid to rest the following day, Wednesday, December 31. The massive public turnout at the former prime minister’s funeral attracted widespread attention from international media outlets.

British broadcaster BBC headlined its report as, “Mourners gather at state funeral of Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister.”

Qatar-based Al Jazeera wrote, “Huge crowds attend Khaleda Zia’s state funeral in mourning Bangladesh.”

Turkey’s TRT reported, “Bangladesh bids farewell to Khaleda Zia with state honours.”

French news agency AFP said, “Bangladesh mourns Khaleda Zia at state funeral.”

Malaysia’s state news agency Bernama reported, “Hundreds of thousands attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral, laid to rest beside her husband.”

Pakistan’s English-language daily Dawn wrote, “Tarique Rahman leads mourners as Khaleda Zia is buried in Dhaka.”

China’s Xinhua news agency said, “Bangladesh observes state mourning for former prime minister Khaleda Zia.”

British newspaper The Guardian wrote, “End of an era: Bangladesh buries its first woman prime minister.”

French daily Le Monde reported, “Khaleda Zia’s final farewell as thousands follow her coffin.”

Australia’s ABC headlined its coverage as, “Khaleda Zia laid to rest beside her husband with full state honours.”