Dhaka, Dec. 31 -- People from all walks of life are gathering at Dhaka's Manik Mia Avenue to attend the funeral prayers of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Extensive security measures have been put in place in and around Manik Mia Avenue and the areas surrounding the Parliament complex ahead of the prayers.

Party leaders, activists and members of the public arriving from across the capital and other parts of the country are being required to enter Manik Mia Avenue through the archway gate at the eastern end of the avenue.

Khaleda died early on Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for the past 40 days. She was 79.

The BNP chief, who earned the reputation of being an "uncompromising leader" thro...