Dhaka, Dec. 31 -- News of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's death drew people from every corner of Bangladesh to Dhaka.

From Netrokona Sadar, 13 friends, including Abdullah, Saiful, and Monir -- all identified by single names, hired a microbus to ensure they could pay their respects to the leader who had steered the party for 41 years.

By noon, Manik Mia Avenue had transformed into a sea of grief and mourning.

Alongside BNP supporters, citizens from all walks of life gathered to honour the late former prime minister, who passed away at 6am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital.

Known as the "uncompromising leader" for her role in the anti-autocracy movements of the 1990s, Khaleda was laid to rest with full state honours at Zia Udyan, beside her...