Dhaka, Dec 31 (V7N) — Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to pay his last respects to BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

He landed at the Bangladesh Air Force’s Bashar base at around 11:30 am on a special Indian Air Force flight. Upon arrival, Jaishankar was received by Foreign Ministry Secretary (Intergovernmental Organizations and Consular Affairs) M Farhad Hossain.

Meanwhile, a message issued by the Press Wing of the Principal Advisor stated that Manik Mia Avenue is fully prepared for Khaleda Zia’s funeral. The namaz-e-janaza will be held across the inner grounds, outer areas of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, and the entire Manik Mia Avenue.

The statement said all necessary arrangements have been completed to ensure that people from all walks of life can pay their respects to the national leader and participate in the funeral without hindrance. Measures have also been taken to allow members of the public to remain on surrounding roads near Manik Mia Avenue.

According to the press wing, following the funeral, Begum Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest with full state honours beside the grave of her late husband, martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at around 3:30 pm.

Family members of Khaleda Zia, senior state officials, government advisers, foreign guests, ambassadors, and political figures nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will be present during the burial. To ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the ceremony, entry will be restricted to designated individuals only, while public movement in Zia Udyan will remain restricted until the completion of the funeral and burial.

END/SMA/AJ