Thousands gathered at Manik Mia Avenue more than five hours before the funeral prayers for former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, as mourners streamed in from across the country on Wednesday morning.

Visiting the venue after 9:15am, A large crowds already occupying Manik Mia Avenue, while people continued to arrive from all directions to attend the janaza.

Amir Hossain, who travelled from Narsingdi, said he could not stay at home. “I spent my own money to come and take part in the funeral prayers of my beloved leader,” he said.

Faruk Ahmed and Shyamal Kumar, who came from Narayanganj, said they doubted whether Bangladesh would ever see such a patriotic and courageous leader again. “We came to bid our final farewell to our beloved leader,” they said.

Khaleda Zia’s janaza will take place at Manik Mia Avenue at 2pm on Wednesday. The Chief Adviser’s Office said on Tuesday night that all preparations for the funeral prayers had been completed.

To ensure a smooth ceremony and maintain tight security, authorities deployed 27 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) across the capital, including Manik Mia Avenue.

Confirming the deployment, BGB Public Relations Officer Mohammad Shariful Islam said the force stationed 27 platoons in the areas around Evercare Hospital, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and Zia Udyan to strengthen overall security for Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayers and burial.