A civic memorial gathering held in remembrance of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia has begun in Dhaka. The event started after 2:30 pm on Friday, as scheduled.

Invited guests began arriving at the venue earlier in the day at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building on Manik Mia Avenue.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman attended the memorial along with his wife Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima Rahman, and other family members, including Shamila Rahman, the wife of Khaleda Zia’s younger son, the late Arafat Rahman Koko.

Senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, including members of its standing committee, were also present at the event. In addition, diplomats representing several foreign missions in Bangladesh attended the memorial. Invitations had been issued in advance, and entry was restricted to invited guests only.

Extensive security measures were put in place for the program. Members of the army, police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, Ansar, and other law enforcement agencies were deployed at the venue. Personnel from various intelligence agencies were also assigned to oversee security.

As attendance increased, security arrangements were further strengthened. BNP leaders and activists from different affiliated and associate organizations were responsible for maintaining order during the event.

Khaleda Zia passed away on December 30 while undergoing medical treatment at a hospital. She was laid to rest the following day at Zia Udyan with state honors.