Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis on Sunday joined funeral prayers at Dhaka's largest mosque for the husband of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who died following a long illness. President Zillur Rahman led tributes to nuclear scientist M.A. Wazed Mia, who died on Saturday aged 67 after a prolonged battle with diabetes as well as kidney and heart-related illnesses.
"The nation will recall with respect the contribution of Dr Wazed in the development of nuclear science in Bangladesh," Rahman said. Mia was buried later at his village with full state honours. Sheikh Hasina went to the grave and paid her last respects, television pictures showed.
Hasina, who came to power for a second time after her Awami League party scored a landslide victory in elections last December, married Mia in 1968. The couple have a son and daughter, both of whom live in North America. Hasina's bitter rival, two-time ex-premier Khaleda Zia, visited the prime minister's home to offer her condolences.