Nation observes third day of national mourning for Khaleda Zia

The country is observing the third and final day of national mourning for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away recently.

In observance of the day, mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas across the nation are holding special prayers and religious ceremonies.

After Friday prayers, all mosques will hold special du’a for the salvation of Khaleda Zia’s soul.

The Ministry of Cabinet Affairs had earlier declared three days of national mourning from December 31 to January 2, during which all government, semi-government and autonomous offices, educational institutions, and Bangladesh missions abroad flew the national flag at half-mast.

In a nationwide address on December 30, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced the three-day mourning and declared a public holiday on December 31. The Cabinet’s notification described Khaleda Zia as an “uncompromising leader in the movement to restore democracy” and expressed deep grief over her death.

Khaleda Zia was laid to rest with full state honors on December 31 at Banani Graveyard in Dhaka, beside her late husband, President Ziaur Rahman. Her son, Tarique Rahman, and other family members attended the burial. A ceremonial guard of honour was provided by the armed forces.

Prior to the burial, her funeral prayer was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and along Manik Mia Avenue, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners. The massive turnout has been described as one of the largest funerals in the country’s history.