Bangladesh News Highlights: Khaleda Zia's funeral on Wednesday, to be buried with full state honours

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The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind on Tuesday condemned the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh over allegations of blasphemy, calling the killing the “height of cruelty” and demanding the strictest punishment for those responsible. Jamiat chief Maulana Arshad Madani said such incidents were “very unfortunate” and went against the teachings of Islam, besides defaming the religion. Madani said brutally killing someone was not just murder but an extreme act of cruelty that could not be condemned enough. He warned that religion was being misused to gain power, leading to a dangerous rise in religious fanaticism and leaving minorities feeling increasingly insecure.

According to Prothom Alo newspaper, High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah was recalled to Dhaka in view of the recent state of Bangladesh-India relations. The newspaper quoted foreign office sources as saying the decision was linked to ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours. In recent weeks, Dhaka and New Delhi have summoned each other’s envoys, with both foreign offices issuing statements on a range of concerns, including the security of diplomatic missions and allegations related to the persecution of minority community members.

Two senior advisers of Bangladesh’s interim government met High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah on Tuesday to discuss what officials described as “various issues,” as Dhaka and New Delhi continue to navigate a period of diplomatic strain. Hamidullah arrived in Dhaka late Monday after being called back on what media reports described as an urgent basis. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman held the meeting with the envoy at the foreign office. While officials declined to share details of the discussions, Rahman told reporters that the high commissioner is called in “from time to time” and that multiple issues were reviewed. The Dhaka Tribune reported that the meeting lasted around half an hour.

China also expressed condolences on the passing of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia, with Premier Li Qiang describing Zia as a veteran politician and an “old friend” of the Chinese people who played a key role in advancing Bangladesh–China relations during her tenure. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that as prime minister, Zia actively promoted bilateral ties, helping establish a long-term, friendly and mutually beneficial comprehensive cooperative partnership. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen described Zia as a steadfast champion of freedom and a central figure in the country’s political history. He said she embodied the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people and inspired the nation through her resilience, courage and leadership. Yao added that the Communist Party of China would continue its longstanding and friendly relations with the BNP under the leadership of Zia’s son and acting party chairman, Tarique Rahman.

Leaders from across the world, including India, the United States, China and Pakistan, on Tuesday paid tributes to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, remembering her decades-long role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned her death, saying that as Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, Zia made important contributions to the country’s development as well as to India–Bangladesh relations. Modi also recalled his “warm meeting” with her in Dhaka in 2015. “We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership,” he said.
 

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). According to an official statement, Jaishankar will visit Dhaka on Wednesday, December 31 to attend the janaza of the former Bangladeshi leader.

Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP) suffered another setback on Monday after Arif Sohel, its joint member secretary, resigned from the party citing ideological differences. Sohel’s resignation comes days after the NCP announced an electoral understanding with Jamaat-e-Islami for the upcoming general elections, a move that has triggered internal dissent within the party led by Nahid Islam.

A Hindu Ansar member deployed as a security guard at a garment factory in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district was shot dead by a colleague inside the factory premises, marking the third killing reported in the area in the past two weeks. Police have arrested the accused and launched an investigation. Read full story here

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday expressed condolences on the death of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, saying she played a significant role in shaping the country’s political journey. In a post on X, Kharge said, “On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Bangladesh’s Former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia. Throughout her long public life, she played an important role in shaping the nation’s political journey.” He also conveyed his sympathies to her family, supporters and the people of Bangladesh.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a statement issued on Tuesday, DUCSU said that following the assassination of martyr president Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia rose with firm resolve during one of the darkest periods in the country’s history. Facing repression by authoritarian forces and political vendetta, she emerged as the leading face of the democratic movement and became the focal point of popular aspirations.

Bangladesh’s legal adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday alleged that the convictions handed to BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government were politically motivated and amounted to a farce. He claimed that Khaleda Zia was subjected to torture while in prison and said he personally believes that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her government bear responsibility for her death. Nazrul made the remarks while addressing reporters after a meeting of the advisory council, which later announced three days of state mourning and a one-day general holiday following Khaleda Zia’s death.

Former prime minister Khaleda Zia passed away at 6 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was 80. Her eldest son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, along with close family members, were present at the hospital at the time of her death.

Salahuddin Ahmed said Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayers will be held on Wednesday after Zohr at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. He said senior party leaders, supporters and members of the public are expected to attend the janaza before her burial at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
 

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest next to late president Ziaur Rahman. Speaking to the media, he said preparations at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar are progressing, underscoring the symbolic significance of her burial alongside the founder of the BNP and a key figure in Bangladesh’s political history.

Preparations are underway to dig the grave of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. On Tuesday afternoon, workers were seen digging the grave beside that of her husband, martyred president Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, as the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its most influential political figures.

Tarique Rahman said Khaleda Zia endured repeated arrests, denial of medical care and relentless persecution. Despite pain, confinement and uncertainty, he said she never stopped protecting her family with courage and compassion. Her resilience, he added, was quiet but unbreakable, shaped by years of sacrifice and unwavering moral strength.

Tarique Rahman said Khaleda Zia lost her husband and her child for the country, after which the people of Bangladesh became her family and purpose. He said she leaves behind a legacy of patriotism, sacrifice and resistance that will continue to live on in the democratic conscience of the nation.

Recalling her personal side, Tarique Rahman said Khaleda Zia was a tender and loving mother who devoted her entire life to the country and its people. He said that despite her public struggles, she remained a steadfast guardian at home, providing strength and reassurance to her family during their darkest moments.

In an emotional message, Tarique Rahman said Khaleda Zia was regarded by many as the Mother of Democracy and the Mother of Bangladesh. He said the country has lost a guiding presence whose uncompromising leadership stood firm against autocracy, fascism and domination, and whose life was dedicated to freedom, sovereignty and the restoration of democracy.