Khaleda Zia to be buried with state honours, janaza Wednesday

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today informed the special meeting of the Council of Advisers that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will be laid to eternal rest beside her husband Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's grave in the city following her namaj-e-janaza tomorrow.

The janaza will be held at the Jatiya Sangsad South Plaza and the adjoining Manik Mia Avenue after Johr prayers.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna this morning while BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the meeting at a special invitation.

After the meeting, Law Adviser Professor Dr Asif Nazrul briefed the media in front of the Jamuna.

He said on behalf of Begum Khaleda Zia's family and the BNP, Mirza Fakhrul expressed gratitude to the interim government and thanked the Chief Adviser for providing all necessary support, including security arrangements, for Begum Khaleda Zia.

At the meeting, Prof Yunus assured that the government would provide all necessary assistance regarding the janaza and burial of the former Prime Minister.

At the outset of the meeting, members of the Council of Advisers observed a one-minute silence to pay tribute to the three-time former Prime Minister, uncompromising leader of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

They also offered prayers seeking forgiveness for Begum Khaleda Zia's departed soul.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the munajat (prayer).

Prof Asif Nazrul said that the council of advisers decided to observe three days of state mourning starting from tomorrow over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia and declare a one-day general holiday tomorrow.

The meeting also adopted a condolence motion over Khaleda Zia's death, he said, adding, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan read out the motion.

During the three days of state mourning, Prof Asif Nazrul said, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational institutions, all public and private buildings, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad.

In addition, special prayers and Munajat will be arranged tomorrow at every mosque across the country seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia, he said, adding, special prayers will also be organized at places of worship of other religions.

According to the decision of the meeting, the law adviser said, condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad at the death of the former Prime Minister.

Prof Asif Nazrul said, during the meeting, the Chief Adviser expressed deep condolences over the death of Begum Zia.

"Today, we have gathered at a time of deep mourning. The entire nation prayed for Begum Khaleda Zia so that she can remain with us for many more years. We pray for the forgiveness of her departed soul," Prof Yunus said.

"On behalf of the nation, we extend our condolences to her family. The government will provide all necessary assistance regarding her burial and funeral arrangements," he added.

Recalling his last meeting with Begum Khaleda Zia, the Chief Adviser said, "I last met her on November 21 on Armed Forces Day. She was very cheerful that day. She spoke with me for quite some time and inquired about my health and my wife's health".

Although she herself was unwell, she was concerned about the well-being of others, Prof Yunus said, adding, "She was with us. At this critical time for the nation, when unity is essential for all of us, her presence was deeply needed. Her passing is a great loss for the nation".

Replying to a question, during the briefing, Prof Asif Nazrul said deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her government cannot avoid responsibility for Khaleda Zia's death.

Begum Khaleda Zia was subjected to "indescribable torture" after being sent to prison through a farcical verdict, which has also been reflected in the Supreme Court verdict, he said.

"If this situation had not arisen, perhaps Khaleda Zia would not have been lost so early," he added.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were present at the briefing.