Dhaka, Dec. 31 -- Bangladesh observed a public holiday and entered a three-day period of state mourning on Wednesday as a sea of mourners gathered in Dhaka for the funeral of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, marking a moment of national remembrance following the death of one of the country's most influential political figures.

Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest later today beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital. The funeral has drawn regional attention, with India confirming official participation in the last rites.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the funeral, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. "The External...