Khalidi's janaza in Banani, to be laid at Mirpur graveyard

Khalidi’s body is expected to arrive in Dhaka in the morning morning before being taken to his residence, where family members and relatives will pay their final respects.

His body will be kept at the Old DOHS playground in Banani from 2PM to 3PM, allowing friends, relatives, colleagues, well-wishers and representatives from different sections of society to pay their last respects. 

His janaza will be held at the same venue at 3PM.

He will be laid to eternal rest at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard at 5PM.

Khalidi, who was in London on a personal visit, fell suddenly ill on the night of October 1. He was taken to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a brain haemorrhage. He was pronounced dead at 2:23PM local time the following day.

A janaza for Khalidi was held after Zuhr prayers on October 8 at Brick Lane Mosque in East London. Former colleagues and representatives of the local Bangladeshi community gathered there to pay their final respects.

His son, Rad Sharara Khalidi, a director of Bangladesh News 24 Hours Limited, delivered a brief address on behalf of the family.

Recalling his father’s professional principles, Rad said Khalidi had ideals he was unwilling to compromise on. He believed journalism should be honest, fearless and independent, and regarded it not merely as a profession but as a responsibility and a passion.

“Fulfilling this responsibility meant that he had to go through many difficult periods in his life. Many of you present here stood by him during those turbulent and challenging times. Our family is grateful for your love, courage and support,” Rad said.

He urged those gathered to pray for his father.

''Please pray for my father. May Allah forgive all his shortcomings and accept all the good deeds he has done.''