Dhaka, Dec. 31 -- The body of former prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia is being taken to Manik Mia Avenue in the capital ahead of a funeral prayer service.

The national flag-draped vehicle carrying her body departed from her son Tarique Rahman's residence in Gulshan around 11am on Wednesday.

Earlier, the BNP leader's coffin had been brought to the residence from Evercare Hospital.

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

Her funeral prayers will be held around 2pm after Zuhr prayers at Manik Mia Avenue. Her coffin will be placed at the western end of the avenue.

The Chief Advisor's Office said the pr...