DHAKA, BANGLADESH & TEHRAN, IRAN
Bangladesh is in deep mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, one of the nation’s most prominent political figures and the first woman to hold the premiership. Zia passed away on 30 December 2025 in Dhaka after a prolonged illness at the age of 80. In response, the government declared a three-day period of state mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and public holiday observances for her funeral rites. Thousands of citizens, party supporters, and dignitaries attended the state funeral, with her body carried through the streets of Dhaka in a flag-draped convoy before being laid to rest beside her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman. Leaders from neighboring countries, including India and Pakistan, offered condolences, highlighting her role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape over several decades. The funeral drew massive crowds, marking the end of an era for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and prompting nationwide reflection on her contributions to politics and governance.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to witness widespread protests as citizens challenge soaring inflation, a weakening national currency, and worsening living conditions. Demonstrations, which initially involved shopkeepers and bazaar traders, have expanded to include university students and other urban communities, reflecting growing public frustration with economic mismanagement. President Masoud Pezeshkian called on the government to heed protesters’ “legitimate demands,” while authorities implemented emergency measures, including the appointment of a new central bank governor, in an attempt to stabilize the economy and contain unrest. Despite these efforts, protests have persisted across multiple cities, prompting heightened security measures and warnings against attempts to escalate demonstrations into broader instability.
As Bangladesh bids farewell to a towering political figure and Iran faces its most significant economic protests in years, the region’s headlines underscore a juxtaposition of national grief and public dissent. In Bangladesh, citizens honor a legacy of leadership, while in Iran, citizens continue to demand economic reforms amid growing dissatisfaction. Both stories highlight the enduring impact of leadership, governance, and public sentiment in shaping national trajectories at a pivotal moment in the closing days of 2025.
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