Three-day state mourning for Khaleda Zia, general holiday on Wednesday

The government has declared a three-day state mourning starting from Wednesday following the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. At the same time, a one-day general holiday will be observed on Wednesday.

The decisions were taken at a special meeting of the Advisory Council held at the state guest house Jamuna on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Before the meeting began, the participants observed a one-minute silence standing in memory of Begum Khaleda Zia. Later, a doa and munajat was held seeking forgiveness for her departed soul, conducted by Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain.

During the meeting, a condolence motion was adopted over the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Information Adviser Rizwana Hasan.

During the period of state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, all public and private buildings, and Bangladesh missions abroad. In addition, special doa and munajat will be arranged in all mosques across the country on Wednesday seeking forgiveness for Begum Khaleda Zia’s departed soul. Special prayers will also be held at places of worship of other religions.

The meeting also decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad following the former prime minister’s death.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the meeting on special invitation. He expressed gratitude to the interim government on behalf of Begum Khaleda Zia’s family and the party, and thanked the chief adviser for overall cooperation, including security arrangements for Begum Khaleda Zia.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Begum Khaleda Zia’s janaza will be held on Wednesday after Zohr at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and the adjacent Manik Mia Avenue. She will later be laid to rest beside martyred president and valiant freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman.

At the meeting, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said the government will provide all-out cooperation in matters related to Begum Khaleda Zia’s janaza and burial.

In his remarks, the chief adviser said, “We have gathered at a time of deep grief today. The entire nation had been praying for Begum Khaleda Zia so that she could stay with us for many more years. We pray for the forgiveness of her departed soul and extend condolences to her family on behalf of the nation.”

Recalling his last meeting with her, he said, “I last met her on November 21 on Armed Forces Day. She was very cheerful that day. Despite her illness, she enquired about everyone. At this critical time for the nation, when we needed to remain united, her presence was greatly needed. Her passing is a huge loss for the nation.”