27 BGB platoons deployed in capital over Khaleda’s funeral

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed 27 platoons across key locations in Dhaka to maintain security during the funeral and burial of former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

BGB Public Relations Officer Mohammad Shariful Islam confirmed the deployment on Wednesday, December 31. He said the platoons have been stationed in and around Evercare Hospital, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Zia Udyan, and several other strategic points to strengthen overall security.

Earlier in the morning, shortly before 9:00 am, Khaleda Zia’s body, draped in the national flag, was taken from Evercare Hospital to Gulshan, with a stop at the residence of her son, Tarique Rahman. Family members, BNP leaders, and party activists were present to pay their respects.

Several foreign dignitaries are arriving in Dhaka to attend the funeral prayers, including the Speaker of Pakistan, the Foreign Ministers of India and Bhutan, a special envoy of the President of the Maldives, and representatives from Sri Lanka and Nepal.

To ensure smooth proceedings, BGB personnel have also been deployed along Manik Mia Avenue and surrounding areas. Khaleda Zia is scheduled to be buried with state honours beside Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan around 3:30 pm, following the funeral prayers. Entry to the burial site will be restricted to authorised individuals, and public movement in the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area will remain limited until the burial is completed.