Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s funeral and burial will be conducted with full state honors, confirmed Shafiqul Alam, Secretary to the Chief Adviser. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, will also attend the funeral, along with government advisors and diplomats from various countries. The announcement came after a coordination meeting on “Khaleda Zia’s Funeral, Burial, and Law & Order Arrangements,” held on Tuesday (December 30) at the Ministry of Home Affairs conference room, chaired by Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Press Secretary stated that the meeting discussed the overall arrangements for Khaleda Zia’s funeral and burial. The emphasis was placed on ensuring full coordination with her party to carry out all arrangements smoothly.
Funeral Arrangements
The Press Secretary detailed the decisions taken during the meeting, saying, “Her funeral prayer will be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Her body will be brought from Evercare Hospital to the National Parliament building early in the morning.”
“Special security arrangements will be made along both sides of the route, and the timing of the body’s movement will be announced. She will be brought to the South Plaza of the National Parliament with full state honors, where the funeral prayer will take place,” he added.
From Evercare Hospital to the National Parliament’s South Plaza, all arrangements, including burial and funeral rites, will be conducted with full state honors.
Shafiqul Alam highlighted Khaleda Zia’s lifelong contributions, saying, “She was an uncompromising leader. Bangladesh lost democracy multiple times, and each time, through her firm stance and leadership, she restored it. She served as Prime Minister three times and was the wife of the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, dedicating nearly 45 years to public service. Her contributions to the country are unparalleled.”
Attendance and Security
The Press Secretary also noted that the Chief Adviser and BNP leaders, as well as all government advisors, will attend the funeral. He expects the presence of numerous diplomats.
Regarding preparations, Shafiqul Alam said, “All security arrangements are being thoroughly reviewed by the police and other security agencies. While previous large-scale funerals provided some groundwork, this will be organized on an even larger scale. Coordination with the BNP is ongoing, and full cooperation from the party has been assured. The government will provide any support required for a smooth execution of the program.”
On security concerns, he added, “There is no expected threat. Maximum security will be ensured tomorrow. According to the DMP Chief, over 10,000 personnel from the police, APBN, and other security agencies will be deployed. Additionally, arrangements by the army will be in place at certain locations.”
If you want, I can also make a shorter, newspaper-style English version that’s punchy and easy to read for international audiences. Do you want me to do that next?