The namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be held after Zuhr prayers on Wednesday at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. Instead of the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, her coffin will be taken to the western side of Manik Mia Avenue.
The janaza will take place across the inner grounds of the Jatiya Sangsad, its outer areas, and the entire stretch of Manik Mia Avenue, according to a Facebook post of the Chief Adviser’s Wing.
The Press Wing further said that all necessary preparations have been made by the security forces and relevant state agencies to ensure that people from all walks of life can pay their respects and participate in the janaza without hindrance. Arrangements are also being made so that people can gather along the surrounding roads of Manik Mia Avenue.
Meanwhile, people from all walks of life began gathering at the venue to pay their last respects to the country’s first female prime minister. In addition, BNP leaders and activists have been assembling in the area since Tuesday night.
Twenty-seven platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across key areas of Dhaka to ensure tight security during the janaza and burial of the former prime minister.
Special arrangements have been made for women wishing to attend the janaza. Separate facilities have been set up for them at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and in the Manik Mia Avenue area, so they can participate in an orderly and secure environment.
The funeral prayer will be led by Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. For security reasons, the government has requested that no one carry any kind of bag while attending the janaza.
Following the prayers, around 3:30pm, Khaleda Zia, three-time former prime minister, will be buried with state honours beside her husband Ziaur Rahman, former president and valiant freedom fighter.
Family members of Khaleda Zia, important state figures, government officials, foreign guests, ambassadors, and BNP leaders will be present at the burial.
To ensure the burial proceeds smoothly, no one other than designated individuals will be allowed to enter the site. Public movement in Zia Udyan at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar will remain restricted until the burial is completed.
Khaleda Zia passed away at 6am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital.
