Janaza of Rokia Afzal Rahman today

The namaz-e-janaza of noted entrepreneur Rokia Afzal Rahman will be held in the capital's Gulshan Azad Masjid today after Asr prayers.

She will be laid to rest at Banani graveyard the same day. Her body was  scheduled to be flown to the capital late yesterday from Singapore,  accompanied by her two daughters, son and grandchild.

Meanwhile, the business community, female entrepreneurs and noted individuals from all sectors are mourning the loss of the iconic businesswoman. Tributes are still pouring in from colleagues, friends, admirers, and organisations.

Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus expressed condolences on the death of Rokia. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my best friend and close associate Rokia Afzal Rahman. She was not only a friend, but  was my frequent adviser and encourager," he said in a condolence message.

"She enthusiastically embraced my concept of social business from the beginning and tried to convey it to the business community. Her compassion for the poverty-afflicted women in Bangladesh and... contribution to women's empowerment is unparalleled," read the message.

The executive board of the International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICC-B) expressed deep condolences on the demise of Rokia, who was the vice president of ICC-B.

"During her tenure as vice president, she extended her guidance and support for carrying out various activities, including organising several international conferences in Dhaka," ICC-B said in a press release.

She also attended various seminars and workshops of the organisation both at home and abroad.

ACI Chairman M Anis Ud Dowla also expressed his condolences.

"In her death I have lost a sincere friend, the community has lost an effective leader and the society lost a benevolent person. We pray to Allah for her eternal peace," said Anis in his message. Rokia passed away at Mt Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore on Wednesday at the age of 82. She is survived by her two daughters, a son, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and a host of well-wishers.