Dhaka, Dec 30 (V7N)- The funeral and burial of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held in coordination with her party, said Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Shafiqul Alam.

He made the statement during a briefing following a meeting at the Home Ministry on the overall law and order situation, including arrangements for Khaleda Zia’s funeral and burial, held at the Secretariat on Tuesday (December 30) afternoon.

The Press Secretary said that Begum Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayer will be held on Wednesday after Zohr at the South Plaza of Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. Her mortal remains will be taken from Evercare Hospital to the National Parliament House in the morning, accompanied by full state honors.

He said that special security arrangements will be in place along both sides of the route during the transfer of the body. The funeral and burial will be conducted with full state honors, reflecting her status as a former Prime Minister and a nationally important political figure.

Shafiqul Alam also said that Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, other members of the interim government, BNP leaders, and foreign diplomats will attend the funeral.

In addition, condolence books will be opened at the National Parliament, Bangladesh missions abroad, and the BNP central office, allowing dignitaries and the public to pay their respects.

Regarding security, the Press Secretary said that more than 10,000 law enforcement personnel will be deployed to ensure safety and order during the funeral and burial. Members of the army will also be stationed at designated points as part of the security arrangements.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General (retd) Shamsul Islam, Chief Security Officer of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, said that people will be able to pay their respects along the entire route as Khaleda Zia’s body is taken from Evercare Hospital to the Parliament House with state honors.

It is worth noting that former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka (Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un). She was 80 years old at the time of her death.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with close family members, was present at the hospital during her final moments.

END/SMA/AJ