The body of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, Khaleda Zia, has been transferred from Evercare Hospital to her Gulshan residence, Feroza.

At approximately 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 31 December, a funeral cortege departed the hospital under tight security. Authorities have ensured that all measures are in place for the safe and dignified transfer of the former prime minister.

Khaleda Zia’s Janaza (funeral prayer) is scheduled to be held at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Wednesday after the Zuhr prayers. Preparations for the Janaza have been meticulously completed, with organisers and security personnel coordinating to ensure a smooth procession.

To maintain strict security and facilitate an orderly funeral, 27 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across Manik Mia Avenue and surrounding areas in the capital.

Additionally, political supporters and party members from districts neighbouring Dhaka are expected to proceed to Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday morning to pay their final respects. Large crowds are anticipated, reflecting Khaleda Zia’s enduring influence and the profound grief felt by her followers.

On the ground, there is a palpable sense of sorrow. Citizens and political affiliates alike display visible signs of mourning following the news of Khaleda Zia’s passing. BNP offices across the country are draped in black, symbolising national grief, and black flags have been hoisted to mark the occasion. Inside party offices, a profound atmosphere of emptiness and loss is evident.

The funeral arrangements underscore the national significance of Khaleda Zia’s death. Authorities are balancing the need for public participation with stringent safety protocols to prevent disruptions during the ceremony.

The nation is uniting in grief, and the forthcoming Janaza promises to be a moment of collective remembrance for one of Bangladesh’s most influential political figures.