Khaleda Zia’s body was taken to the site of the funeral prayer

The body of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was brought to the janaza (funeral prayer) venue on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Wednesday, marking the final public farewell to the veteran political leader. Draped in the national red-and-green flag, her coffin was transported in a refrigerated van, arriving at the site at 2:25 pm.

The janaza ceremony is being led by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan. Senior political leaders, including advisers from the Prime Minister’s office, members of the advisory council, and chiefs of the three armed forces, were present to pay their respects. Prominent BNP leaders and representatives from other political parties have also gathered at the venue.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Prime Minister’s Chief Adviser, arrived earlier at 2:05 pm to join the mourners. The funeral prayer will be conducted by Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the National Mosque, Baitul Mukarram. It is expected to commence shortly.

Khaleda Zia’s body had been transported to Manik Mia Avenue earlier in the day, at 11:50 am, where the janaza will take place. Following the ceremony, she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, in a private burial.

The city has witnessed an outpouring of grief, with hundreds of thousands of citizens lining the streets to pay homage to the former Prime Minister. The event has drawn a diverse array of political figures and ordinary citizens, demonstrating her enduring influence on the nation’s political and social landscape.

Key Janaza Timeline:

The nation mourns as Bangladesh bids farewell to one of its most prominent leaders, with people from across the country coming together to honour her legacy and decades of public service.