Dhaka, Dec 31 (V7N)- The body of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has arrived at house number 196 in Gulshan, Dhaka.

The hearse, draped in red and green national flags, departed Evercare Hospital shortly before 9:00 am on Wednesday (December 31).

Although her body was initially scheduled to be taken to her long-time residence ‘Firoza’, it was instead brought to the Gulshan residence of her son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. At the residence, party leaders, activists, relatives, and close associates are paying their final respects.

According to official sources, Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza will be held at 2:00 pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and Manik Mia Avenue. The funeral prayer will be led by the Khatib of the National Mosque.

Following the janaza, she will be buried with full state honors beside the grave of her late husband, martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, at approximately 3:30 pm.

Authorities have announced that public entry will be restricted at the state funeral venue. For security reasons, attendees have been requested not to carry bags or heavy items to the funeral and burial sites.

END/SMA/AJ