Dhaka,  31 Dec 

Tens of thousands of people from across Bangladesh converged at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on Wednesday to pay their last respects to former prime minister Khaleda Zia, whose death on Tuesday marked the end of an era in the country’s politics.

Mourners from all walks of life travelled to Dhaka by buses, trains and metro services, with scenes of grief playing out across the city as people wept openly while waiting to attend the funeral prayers, according to state-run news agency BSS.

The influx of supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) intensified through Tuesday night, prompting authorities to deploy a large number of police and Armed Police Battalion personnel to manage the crowds, The Daily Star reported.

Many mourners spent the night outdoors despite the cold to secure a spot near the venue. Sixty-two-year-old farmer Sattar Mia, who travelled nearly 200 km from Bogura, told BSS that he had come “to see her for the last time”, fighting back tears.

Traffic restrictions were imposed around Manik Mia Avenue, while metro stations across Dhaka witnessed heavy crowds as people rushed to attend the namaz-e-janaza. Extensive security arrangements were also put in place around the National Parliament Complex, news portal bdnews24.com said.

Although the funeral was scheduled for 2 pm, party leaders, activists and members of the public began assembling from early morning. Zia’s national flag-draped coffin arrived at the venue amid massive crowds, with her elder son and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and senior party leaders accompanying it.

BSS said mourners stood shoulder to shoulder holding national flags, party banners and portraits of Zia, while volunteers attempted to guide the swelling crowds. Many people stood on rooftops and overbridges, and some were unable to reach the venue in time due to the sheer numbers, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

The funeral prayers were held shortly after 2.30 pm, conducted by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan at the Parliament Complex. Chief cleric of Baitul Mokarram, Mohammad Abdul Kader, led the prayers, with vast crowds joining in orderly rows.

Khaleda Zia was later laid to rest beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka with full state honours