Chandpur, Dec. 31 -- Thousands of leaders, activists and local residents on Wednesday joined absentee funeral prayers for former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Chandpur.

The prayers were held after Zuhr at the Asan Ali Government High School ground in Chandpur town, where a large crowd gathered to pay tribute to the veteran political leader.

Leaders and supporters of various political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, attended the prayers. Many participants were seen overcome with emotion, with several breaking down in tears during the service.

Khaleda Zia's janaza held with tears of lakhs of mourners

Prior to the prayers, seni...