Khaleda Zia’s janaza to be held with full state honours tomorrow

The interim government will hold the namaz-e-janaza of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban tomorrow, with her body to be brought from Evercare Hospital in the morning under full state honours and special security arrangements.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam disclosed the details while briefing reporters at the home ministry today, following a coordination meeting on funeral, burial and security arrangements.

"The main focus was that all work will be completed in full coordination with the BNP," Shafiqul said.

He said Khaleda Zia's body would be transported from Evercare Hospital to the parliament complex with enhanced security on both sides of the route. The government will announce the timing of the motorcade in advance.

According to Shafiqul, the chief adviser, BNP leaders and advisers will attend the janaza, and a large number of diplomats are expected to be present.

He also said the government has declared a one-day national holiday tomorrow, centred on the janaza, while a three-day mourning period is being observed.

Security agencies reviewed preparations again at the meeting, he said, adding that authorities discussed arrangements "on a bigger scale" in view of the expected crowd.

Following the briefing, Dr AKM Shamsul Islam said BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the party were grateful to the interim government for the arrangements.

"Deshnetri (national leader) was not only our BNP leader. She was a symbol of national unity," he said, adding that the party would fully cooperate to ensure people could pay their last respects in an orderly manner.

Referring to the turnout during Tarique Rahman's recent return, he said Khaleda Zia's final farewell could be "another milestone", similar to the farewell of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

He said all formalities, from transferring the body from Evercare Hospital to the janaza and burial, would be carried out with full state honours.

Condolence books will be opened at the parliament, at Bangladesh missions abroad and at the BNP party office, he added.

Responding to questions on security, Shamsul said the DMP chief informed the meeting that more than 10,000 personnel from police, APBn and other agencies would be deployed, with the army positioned at certain points.

Public will not be allowed to carry bags or any heavy items while attending the janaza or gathering along the route, as part of the security measures.

Asked whether the body would be taken to Ziaur Rahman's residence, he said there was no such plan "so far", and that the party would decide on the matter.

On public access, he said the burial site is a congested area and would not be open to all, with attendance restricted to selected individuals. The party will announce details later.

However, he said the entire route from Evercare Hospital to the janaza venue would be treated as a space for people to pay their respects, noting that it was impossible to predict the size of the crowd.

On broadcast arrangements, he said a meeting would be held at the information ministry later today, after which details would be shared. He added that journalists would have full access to cover the janaza, though access to the burial site would likely be restricted.

Bangladesh Television will broadcast the programme in full, including the transfer of the body from Evercare Hospital, he said.Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00am today.

The meeting was chaired by Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and attended by advisers Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Rizwana Hasan, Asif Nazrul, Adilur Rahman Khan, Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman.

The press secretary said chiefs of the police, Border Guard Bangladesh, and other security agencies were present, along with Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner, Principal Staff Officer Lt Gen Kamrul Hasan, and BNP representatives, including Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam.