The funeral prayer (janaza) of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday after Zuhr prayers, at around 2:00 pm, along Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.

According to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, the coffin will be placed at the western end of Manik Mia Avenue, instead of the South Plaza of the National Parliament complex.

The janaza will be held across the inner and outer grounds of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban as well as the entire stretch of Manik Mia Avenue to accommodate the expected large turnout, he said.

Security agencies and all relevant state authorities are making extensive preparations to ensure that people from all walks of life can pay their last respects and participate in the funeral prayers without hindrance.

Arrangements are also being made to allow the public to stand along surrounding roads adjacent to Manik Mia Avenue, Shafiqul added.

Following the janaza, Begum Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest with full state honours at around 3:30pm, beside her late husband, martyred president and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Family members of Khaleda Zia, senior state officials, government representatives, foreign guests, diplomats, and leaders nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are expected to attend the burial.

For security reasons, access to the burial site will be restricted to authorised individuals only, and public movement in and around Zia Udyan, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, will remain limited until the completion of the burial proceedings.