Dhaka stands still as Khaleda’s coffin reaches Manik Mia Avenue

A freezer-van wrapped in the red-and-green national flag, carrying the BNP chief’s body, left Tarique’s residence amid tight security around 11:02am.

Earlier, the body was taken to the Gulshan Avenue residence from Evercare Hospital.

The freezer-van left the hospital at around 8:55am and reached Tarique Rahman’s residence at House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue at about 9:16am.

However, Khaleda Zia’s body was kept at the hospital mortuary overnight.

From early morning, a large number of party leaders, activists and ordinary people gathered on the roads around the residence and nearby Firoza, Khaleda Zia’s own house, to pay their last respects. Many stood silently, while others were seen praying.

Security was tightened in and around the Gulshan area following the arrival of the body. 

Members of the army, police, RAB, BGB and other law-enforcement agencies were deployed. Barricades were set up and vehicle movement on parts of Gulshan Avenue was restricted.

Family members, close relatives and party leaders paid their final respects to Khaleda Zia at Tarique’s Gulshan residence.

After the janaza, she will be laid to rest beside the grave of her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. 

A grave has already been prepared next to Ziaur Rahman’s tomb.

Despite the biting winter cold, people from different parts of the country have been arriving in the capital since early morning to attend the janaza and pay tribute. 

Crowds were also seen overnight at the National Parliament area, Evercare Hospital, the Gulshan office and Firoza.

Several foreign dignitaries, including representatives from India, Pakistan and other South and Southeast Asian countries, are expected to attend the funeral prayers.

Khaleda Zia, a three-time Prime Minister, passed away at Evercare Hospital at around 6:00am on Tuesday (December 30) after receiving treatment for more than a month, reports UNB.