BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Her funeral prayer took place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, known as Manik Mia Avenue, where millions of people gathered to pay their last respects. The prayer was led by Sheikh Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Among those attending were Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, chiefs of the three armed forces, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior party leaders, and foreign diplomats. Before the prayer, Tarique Rahman addressed the crowd, asking forgiveness for any pain his mother may have caused and requested prayers for her soul. People from all walks of life braved the cold to attend the funeral, filling the surrounding streets, rooftops, and metro areas. Khaleda Zia, widely known as the “Mother of Democracy,” had been suffering from multiple health complications and passed away at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on December 30 at dawn. Foreign governments, including India and China, expressed condolences, noting her contributions to Bangladesh’s political and diplomatic relations.