Final preparations underway for Khaleda Zia's funeral; crowds throng parliament area
The Namaz-e-Janaza is scheduled to be held today at 2pm.
Thousands of people from all walks of life have converged on the National Parliament area this morning (31 December) to attend the funeral prayers of three-time former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
The Namaz-e-Janaza is scheduled to be held today at 2pm.
People have been arriving since 4am from various districts, including Kurigram, Cumilla, Feni, and Mymensingh. Many were seen wearing black badges as a symbol of mourning for the "uncompromising leader" who passed away yesterday at the age of 79.
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The interim government has declared today a general holiday, and a three-day state mourning period is currently in effect. International dignitaries are expected to attend the proceedings to pay their final respects.
A multi-layered security blanket has been thrown over the capital, with police and members of the Army deployed to maintain order. 27 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at the parliament and Zia Udyan areas.
Security at the Zia Udyan area has been particularly tightened.
The road from Shyamoli to Asadgate has been closed off with army personnel deployed in the area. People are getting out of their cars here and walking to the funeral.
Currently, the general public is not allowed near the grave of the late president Ziaur Rahman, where Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest with full state honours.
