All roads are converging on Manik Mia Avenue as people gather to bid a final farewell to Khaleda Zia

Dhaka was gripped by an extraordinary wave of grief on Wednesday as millions of people from across Bangladesh converged on Manik Mia Avenue to pay their last respects to three-time prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

From Tuesday night, major roads leading to Manik Mia Avenue overflowed with mourners arriving by bus, train, launch, metro rail and other modes of transport from every corner of the country. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as thousands were seen openly weeping, reflecting the depth of national sorrow.

The flow of BNP leaders and supporters into the capital intensified as news of Begum Zia’s death spread. Continuous streams of people poured in from different regions, turning Dhaka into the epicentre of mourning. Managing the swelling crowds became a major challenge for authorities as the capital filled beyond capacity.

Despite biting cold, leaders, activists and ordinary citizens began assembling at Manik Mia Avenue and its surrounding areas late Tuesday night. By early Wednesday morning, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban complex, nearby roads and pavements were packed. Many spent the night outdoors to secure a place close to the funeral venue.

Sixty-two-year-old farmer Sattar Mia, who travelled from Bogura, spent the night on a pavement. “Even if my body gives up, my heart brought me here. I had to see her one last time,” he said, wiping away tears.

Black flags lined roads and party offices, while BNP leaders and activists led processions from districts around Dhaka. People from all walks of life—irrespective of political affiliation—joined the gathering, creating a vast sea of grief-stricken faces.

The namaz-e-janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia is scheduled to be held at 2:00pm today after Zohr prayers at the National Parliament House premises and Manik Mia Avenue. The Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will lead the prayers. She will be laid to rest with full state honours beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Khaleda Zia, the country’s first female prime minister and a three-time head of government, passed away at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka early Tuesday morning. Her elder son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with other family members, were by her side at the time of her death.

Mourners stood shoulder to shoulder holding national flags, party banners and portraits of Khaleda Zia. Volunteers worked to guide the crowds as density increased, while many people were seen praying quietly or wiping away tears.

Law enforcement agencies tightened security throughout the area. Medical teams, ambulances, water distribution points and temporary shelters were put in place to manage the massive turnout.

Md Manik bin Zahid, a government employee from Bogura, described Khaleda Zia as a guardian of the nation, saying her death has left a profound void in the country’s political landscape. Dhaka University student Anik Hasan said the turnout reflected deep public sentiment, calling her “a symbol of democratic resistance.”

BNP activist Md Monir Hossain from Narayanganj said the huge gathering demonstrated her enduring bond with the people despite years of illness and political adversity. Among ordinary citizens, schoolteacher Nurul Islam from Tangail said he travelled all night to attend the janaza, while university student Mahmudul Hasan noted that even her political rivals respected her courage and resolve.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged party leaders and supporters to maintain discipline, describing the farewell as a moment of national mourning that must remain peaceful and dignified.

Following her death, the interim government declared three days of state mourning from Wednesday to Friday (December 31 to January 2), with Wednesday observed as a public holiday.

Metro rail stations across Dhaka also experienced severe overcrowding as people rushed to attend the janaza. Additional MRT Police were deployed at key stations, including Secretariat, Shahbagh, Farmgate and Bijoy Sarani. Passengers underwent searches and enhanced security checks, while crowd control measures were enforced amid temporary congestion caused by long queues.

Leaders and activists from across the country arrived in large numbers by road, rail and metro services. BNP, Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal leaders said thousands travelled in organised groups to attend the funeral.

Deputy Inspector General of MRT Police Siddiqi Tanjilur Rahman said the overall situation remained under control despite the surge in passenger movement.

Elected prime minister for the first time through a popular vote in 1991, Khaleda Zia played a pivotal role in restoring parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. She introduced the parliamentary system and the caretaker government mechanism to ensure free and fair elections. She is survived by her elder son Tarique Rahman, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren. Her younger son, Arafat Rahman Koko, passed away earlier in Malaysia.