The janaza of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex, with a thousands of people attending the National Parliament from all across the country.
The namaz-e-janaza was led at 2:30pm on Wednesday by Mufti Abdul Malek, khatib of the Baitul Mokarram National Mosque.
Those present included Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and senior national leaders from various political parties.
Diplomats from several friendly countries were also in attendance.
Although the janaza was scheduled to begin at 2:00pm, hundreds of thousands of party leaders, activists and members of the public from different parts of the country began gathering at Manik Mia Avenue and surrounding areas from early morning.
At one point, the crowd spread across nearby areas including Bijoy Sarani, Khamarbari Mor, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Panthapath, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, College Gate, Asad Gate and Shahbagh, extending into adjoining streets and alleys.
People stood wherever space was available, including on building rooftops and overbridges. Many were unable to reach the venue in time and missed the janaza due to the immense crowd.
As per the earlier decision, Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest with state honours beside her husband, BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman, at around 3:30pm.
Family members of Khaleda Zia, key state dignitaries, senior government officials, foreign guests, ambassadors and BNP-nominated political figures will be present at the burial.
To ensure the burial is conducted smoothly, entry will be restricted to designated individuals only, and public movement in Zia Udyan at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar will remain limited.
