Supporters from across the country arrive early amid tight security

A large number of people have been gathering at Manik Mia Avenue since early this morning to attend the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

The gathering began around 7:00am, with BNP leaders and activists arriving from different parts of Dhaka and other districts, including Feni, Brahmanbaria, Mymensingh, Cumilla, Gazipur, Munshiganj and Narayanganj, to pay their final respects.

The janaza is scheduled to be held at 2:00pm today, with preparations at the venue already in full swing.

Security has been significantly tightened in and around Manik Mia Avenue. A large number of law enforcement personnel, including police and members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBN), have been deployed.

Barricades have been set up at key points to maintain order and ensure public safety.

As part of the heightened security measures, access to the grave of Khaleda Zia's late husband and former president Ziaur Rahman has been restricted, with members of the public barred from approaching the area.

The government has announced that Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband with full state honours.

Crowds continued to swell around Manik Mia Avenue as people arrived in groups, with nearby areas, including Tejgaon Lane connecting to the Elevated Expressway, also seeing a significant influx of mourners.

Microphones have been installed across the venue and surrounding areas, where recitations from the Holy Quran are ongoing.