Even before the funeral of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, an overwhelming crowd has begun assembling at Manik Mia Avenue. The avenue, designated as the main site for the funeral prayers, is already filled to capacity with party supporters and members of the public.
The funeral prayers are scheduled for Wednesday at 2:00 pm, but people have started arriving from the early hours of the morning. Observers on the ground report that despite the dense fog and biting winter chill, the flow of mourners continues unabated, with the crowd swelling as the hours pass. Many attendees, travelling from distant regions across the country, express visible grief at the loss of a resolute national leader.
Traffic into Dhaka has been heavy since the morning, with long lines of vehicles entering the city. Visitors arriving from far-off districts are leaving their vehicles along the way, proceeding on foot towards Manik Mia Avenue to pay their final respects.
In anticipation of the massive gathering, law enforcement agencies have implemented a comprehensive security plan. In addition to the regular police force, members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the Bangladesh Army have been deployed. Over 10,000 personnel are assigned to ensure the safety of attendees and maintain order throughout the city.
According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), security arrangements will remain tight along the route from Evercare Hospital to Manik Mia Avenue, surrounding the vehicle carrying the deceased leader. Since Tuesday night (30 December), security forces have been stationed across the avenue, Zia Udyan, and neighbouring areas. Maximum security measures will remain in place from the funeral prayers through to the burial, covering the entirety of the capital.
The DMP emphasised that all measures aim to allow citizens from every stratum of society to pay their respects without hindrance. Roads surrounding Manik Mia Avenue have been organised to accommodate the public safely, ensuring a dignified farewell for the national leader.
Security Deployment Overview
| Agency / Force | Number of Personnel | Deployment Areas | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka Metropolitan Police | 4,500+ | Manik Mia Avenue, Zia Udyan | Crowd management, traffic control |
| Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) | 1,500+ | Key access roads | Law enforcement, rapid response |
| Armed Police Battalion (APBn) | 1,000+ | Avenue perimeter | Security support |
| Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) | 1,000+ | Entry points to Dhaka | Crowd and traffic control |
| Bangladesh Army | 1,000+ | Strategic checkpoints | Reinforcement and emergency support |