Pakistan’s representative at Khaleda Zia’s funeral in Bangladesh will be Ayaz Sadiq.

Following special directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, will travel to Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the burial rites of former Bangladeshi prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

The NA Speaker will attend the funeral service for the 80-year-old chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who died on Tuesday, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, according to official sources. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq is also expected to offer the family of Khaleda Zia official condolences on behalf of Pakistan during his visit.

During his visit to Dhaka, the speaker of the National Assembly is anticipated to meet with key representatives of Bangladesh’s interim government in addition to attending the funeral prayers. These interactions are a part of Pakistan’s official outreach after one of Bangladesh’s most powerful political figures passed away.

Khaleda Zia’s death has been deeply regretted by the Pakistani government, which has called it a major loss for Bangladesh and the larger South Asian community. According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar offered prayers for the late leader’s elevation and patience for her family, as well as sincere condolences.

In his message, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s lengthy political career and her contribution to the development of Bangladesh’s contemporary political environment by pleading for her to be given the highest rank in Jannat-ul-Firdous.

PM Shehbaz laments Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh’s passing.

The former prime minister was a towering political figure and a devoted friend of Pakistan, according to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who also expressed deep sorrow at her passing. The prime minister said in a social media post that Khaleda Zia’s lifetime of devotion to Bangladesh and her role in its progress would be regarded as a lasting legacy. The prime minister also expressed prayers and condolences to Khaleda Zia’s family, friends, and supporters, saying that the Pakistani government and people were in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this time of grief.

Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, retires

Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, dominated the country’s tumultuous politics for many years. She had stated her determination to return to the front lines of politics and guide her party into the upcoming general elections, which are anticipated in February 2026, despite years of political losses and a protracted sickness.

As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party became a major force in the post-uprising political scene, the seasoned leader only last month promised to run an active campaign, calling on her party members to band together and get ready for leadership.

When she was taken to the hospital in late November due to a number of medical issues, her condition had drastically declined. She received a lot of medical care, but her health kept getting worse.
Under Sheikh Hasina’s administration, Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in 2018 on corruption accusations and was prohibited from seeking medical treatment outside. She was freed soon after Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in August 2024, which signaled a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.