Dhaka, Dec. 30 -- A heavy stillness hangs over the BNP chairperson's office in Dhaka's Gulshan. Staff members move quietly through the corridors, their faces marked by grief, as the party comes to terms with the death of Khaleda Zia -- its leader for more than four decades and one of the most dominant figures in Bangladesh's political history.

Soon after news of the former prime minister's death was formally announced on Tuesday morning, the party flag was lowered to half-mast and black flags were raised at the office. Outside, party leaders and activists gathered in growing numbers, many overcome with emotion. Some wept openly, others stood silently, unsure of what to say or do.

Khaleda's son and the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rah...