Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital to take part in the namaz-e-janaza of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
In addition, BNP leaders, activists, and supporters from different parts of the country have been gathering at the venue since early Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia’s body was taken from Gulshan to Manik Mia Avenue for her janaza, scheduled to be held around 2pm.
The mortuary van, draped in the red-and-green national flag, was surrounded by members of the law enforcement agencies. The vehicle has already arrived.
Thousands of people were already seen occupying Manik Mia Avenue ahead of the janaza, with many rushing from across the country to join.
Khaleda Zia’s coffin has already been taken to Jatiya Sangsad Complex. The Chief Adviser’s Office announced on Tuesday night that all preparations for the funeral prayer had been completed.
Extensive security measures have been taken to ensure the janaza is conducted smoothly and overall discipline is maintained. A total of 27 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at key points in the capital.
BGB’s Public Relations Officer Md Shariful Islam said that special security has been reinforced around the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban area and adjacent Zia Udyan. BGB members are patrolling to ensure foolproof security.
After the janaza, she will be laid to rest beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at the designated site.
