Amid strong security, the body of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was taken to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, where her namaz-e-janaza will be held at 2PM.

The funeral prayer will be conducted by the Khatib of the National Mosque, Baitul Mukarram, Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek.

Defying severe cold and dense fog, thousands of mourners gathered at Manik Mia Avenue to attended the janaza and bid farewell to Begum Zia.

Her coffin will be placed on a stage at the western end of Manik Mia Avenue.

Earlier this morning, the BNP chief’s coffin had been taken to Gulshan residence of her elder son and party’s acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from Evercare Hospital for the relatives to pay their last respect.Though her body was initially scheduled to be taken to her residence Firoza, the vehicle was later taken to the residence of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman at House No 196 on Gulshan Avenue.

Following the janaza, she will be buried with full state honours beside her husband’s grave at Zia Udyan around 3:30PM.

The Chief Advisor’s Office has said the funeral prayers will extend across the inner grounds of the Parliament complex, nearby areas and the full length of Manik Mia Avenue.

It also requested the public to avoid using Mirpur Road to ensure the smooth conduct of the funeral.