Overview
- Zia died around 6:00 am on December 30 at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka after a prolonged illness, with family members by her side.
- The interim government declared three days of national mourning and a public holiday as prayers were held outside parliament before her burial beside Ziaur Rahman with full state honours.
- Large crowds paid respects across Dhaka under heavy security as flags were flown at half-mast during the procession and graveside rites.
- India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended and handed over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s condolence letter, while Pakistan and other neighbours sent senior delegations.
- With the vote set for February 12, 2026, the BNP moves forward under acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who returned from 17 years in exile days before her death after the party filed nominations in her name.