Mirza Fakhrul revealed who will lead Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayer

The nation prepares to bid farewell to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, as arrangements for her state funeral are finalised. The question of who will lead the funeral prayers has now been resolved: Mufti Abdul Malek, the khatib of the national mosque Baitul Mukarram, will perform the funeral prayer tomorrow, Wednesday, 31 December, at 2:00 pm, at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament).

The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, following a meeting of the party’s Standing Committee at Gulshan. The committee, presided over by acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, reviewed the comprehensive arrangements for Khaleda Zia’s final journey.

Mirza Fakhrul confirmed that after the funeral prayers, Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her late husband, the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. The interim government has decided to ensure that the entire funeral and burial ceremony is conducted with full state honours, reflecting the lifelong struggle she led for democracy in Bangladesh.

He urged party members and the public to maintain patience and discipline throughout the funeral proceedings. “The void left by Begum Khaleda Zia’s passing cannot be filled. We must channel our grief into strength and continue our journey forward,” he said. The programme will be overseen by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, ensuring the event proceeds smoothly.

Preparations for the funeral have already begun in the parliamentary precincts and along Manik Mia Avenue. The interim government has intensified administrative and security measures to ensure a dignified farewell for the former leader. Party officials anticipate that hundreds of thousands of people may turn out to pay their final respects.

Khaleda Zia passed away earlier today at 6:00 am at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was 80 years old. Her death has drawn condolences from across the political spectrum, including leading figures such as Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. The BNP has declared a seven-day period of mourning to honour her legacy.

Key Details of Khaleda Zia’s Funeral: