Dhaka: The body of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia reached Manik Mia Avenue around 11:50 am for her namaz-e-janaza scheduled at 2 pm. The event marks a significant moment as the nation pays its final respects to a leader who played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's democratic journey.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a motorcade carrying Khaleda Zia's body departed from her son Tarique Rahman's Gulshan residence with state protocol at 11 am. Family members and close relatives gathered at the residence to pay their last tributes before the body was transported. Earlier, the body had been taken to the residence from Evercare Hospital at 9:15 am. Since early morning, a cross-section of people, including BNP leaders and workers, congregated at both the residence and Manik Mia Avenue to bid farewell to their leader.
Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, following her namaz-e-janaza. The janaza is set to take place across Manik Mia Avenue after Zohr prayers. Arrangements have been made to accommodate the large crowd expected to attend. Security forces and state agencies have ensured that people can pay their respects without any hindrance, with necessary measures in place for crowd management.
After the janaza, Khaleda Zia's burial will occur with state honors beside her husband's grave at 3:30 pm. The ceremony will be attended by family members, state dignitaries, foreign guests, ambassadors, and BNP leaders. To ensure the smooth conduct of the burial, entry is restricted to designated individuals, and public movement in Zia Udyan will remain limited until the process is completed.
The nation mourns Khaleda Zia's passing, observing a three-day state mourning and a one-day general holiday. The national flag is at half-mast across all government and public buildings. Special prayers and Munajat are being held at mosques nationwide, with similar arrangements in place for other religious worship sites.
The BNP is observing seven days of mourning, with black flags hoisted at party offices and leaders wearing black badges. Condolence books are available at BNP offices for messages of tribute. Khaleda Zia's passing at 80 marks the end of an era for Bangladesh's political landscape. Her leadership began in 1991 with the introduction of parliamentary governance and caretaker government systems.
Khaleda Zia is survived by her son Tarique Rahman, who returned from exile in December, and a multitude of relatives and admirers. Her political journey began after the assassination of her husband in 1981, culminating in her becoming Bangladesh's first female prime minister in 1991. Her legacy as a leader who consistently advocated for democracy remains a significant chapter in Bangladesh's history.