What's happened
Bangladesh held a large state funeral for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died aged 80. Crowds gathered in Dhaka to pay respects, with security extensive. Zia was a key political figure, leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and shaping the country's democracy since 1991.
What's behind the headline?
Zia's funeral underscores her enduring influence on Bangladesh's political landscape. Her leadership, marked by opposition to military rule and her role as the country's first female prime minister, cemented her legacy. The large turnout reflects her popularity and the deep divisions in Bangladeshi politics, especially her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. Her death may intensify political competition ahead of upcoming elections, with her son Tarique Rahman poised to lead her party. The presence of regional dignitaries signals her importance in South Asian diplomacy. Her legacy will likely shape Bangladesh's political future, with her resilience and opposition roots remaining central themes.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports highlight the scale of the funeral and her political significance, emphasizing her role as a veteran opposition leader and the first woman to serve as prime minister. The articles note her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina and her influence on Bangladesh's democracy. AP News and The Independent provide detailed timelines of her political rise, her opposition to military rule, and her legacy, contrasting her with Hasina's rule and recent exile. All sources agree on her importance but differ slightly in tone, with Al Jazeera focusing on her legacy and regional impact, while others emphasize her political rivalry and the national mourning.
How we got here
Khaleda Zia entered politics after her husband's assassination in 1981, rising as an opposition leader against military rule. She became Bangladesh's first female prime minister in 1991, leading her party until her death. Her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined Bangladesh politics for decades. Her death marks the end of an era amid ongoing political tensions.
Go deeper
Common question
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Who Was Khaleda Zia and Why Was Her Death Significant?
Khaleda Zia, a towering figure in Bangladesh's political landscape, recently passed away at the age of 80. Her death has sparked widespread mourning and reflection on her legacy. As Bangladesh grieves, many are asking: Who was she, and what impact did she have on the country's democracy? Below, we explore her life, her influence, and the current political climate following her passing.
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More on these topics
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Khaleda Zia is a Bangladeshi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996, and again from 2001 to 2006.
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Tarique Rahman is a Bangladeshi politician who is the current acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party since February 2018. He has been residing in London with his family since he left Bangladesh in September 2008.
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Muhammad Yunus is a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist, and civil society leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering the concepts of microcredit and microfinance.
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Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 162 million people.
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Sheikh Hasina, also known by her married name Sheikh Hasina Wazed, is a Bangladeshi politician serving as the 10th Prime Minister of Bangladesh, having held the office since January 2009.
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Dhaka, formerly known as Dacca, is the capital and the largest city of Bangladesh. It is the ninth-largest, and the sixth-most densely populated city in the world, with a population of 8.9 million residents within the city limits, and a population of over