Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Wednesday to mourn the death of Khaleda Zia, the country's first female prime minister, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. Mourners from across Bangladesh traveled to the capital to pay their final respects as a motorcade carrying Zia's body, including a hearse wrapped in the national flag, proceeded through streets near the parliament house.
Flags were flown at half-mast, and thousands of security officers were deployed to manage the crowds. Many held out their hands in prayer and carried flags printed with Zia's photographs. "I have come this far just to say goodbye. I know I won't be able to see her face, but at least I could see the vehicle carrying her for the last rites," said Setara Sultana, an activist from Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Zia's career marked a significant moment for women in Bangladeshi politics. She served as prime minister for multiple terms, navigating a political landscape often dominated by men. Sharmina Siraj, a mother of two, described Zia as "an inspiration," noting the stipends introduced by her government that benefited many women and families.
Khaleda Zia's political journey was intertwined with that of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981. Following his death, she stepped into the political arena, leading the BNP and challenging the then-ruling Awami League. Her rise to power symbolized a shift in Bangladeshi politics and offered a new vision for women's participation in leadership roles.
While Zia's supporters remember her as a champion for democracy and a voice for the marginalized, her political career was also marked by controversy and allegations of corruption, which she consistently denied. Her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister, defined Bangladeshi politics for decades.
The state funeral reflected the complex legacy of a woman who broke barriers and left an indelible mark on Bangladesh. The outpouring of grief, particularly from women across the country, underscores the impact of her leadership and the inspiration she provided to generations. The BNP is expected to announce further details regarding memorial events in the coming days.
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