Dhaka, Dec 30 (V7N)- The funeral of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban grounds and Manik Mia Avenue, followed by her burial with full state honours.

The funeral prayer (janaza) will be led by the Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest at around 3:30 pm, beside the grave of her late husband, martyred President Ziaur Rahman.

This information was confirmed in a statement issued by the Chief Advisor’s Press Wing on Tuesday (December 30).

According to the statement, general public entry will be restricted during the state funeral ceremony. For security reasons, attendees have been requested not to carry bags or heavy items at the funeral and burial venues.

Earlier in the day, following a high-level meeting at the Home Ministry on law and order arrangements related to the funeral, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Shafiqul Alam, said that Khaleda Zia’s body will be taken from Evercare Hospital to the Parliament House on Wednesday morning under state honours.

He added that special security arrangements will be enforced along the route, with more than 10,000 law enforcement personnel deployed. Army personnel will also be stationed at key locations to ensure overall security during the funeral and burial proceedings.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital. She was 80 years old. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other close family members were present at the hospital at the time of her death.

(Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun)

END/SMA/AJ