Bangladesh government has declared three days of national mourning from December 31 to January 2 on the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Besides, December 31 (Wednesday) will be a general holiday across the country.
Tuesday (December 30) in the afternoon address to the nation, the chief adviser. Muhammad Yunus announced this. He also urged the countrymen to remain calm and requested everyone to pray for the repose of the departed soul.
In his speech, the Chief Adviser said, “Begum Khaleda Zia was a great figure in the politics of Bangladesh. Her outstanding role in the struggle for democracy, multi-party political culture and people’s rights will remain in history. Her uncompromising leadership against dictatorship and fascism has repeatedly shown the nation a way out of the undemocratic situation and inspired liberation. Her brilliant contribution to the country and the nation will remain forever. Will remember with respect.”
He further said, “Three days of national mourning has been declared for the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and a one-day general holiday has been announced tomorrow on the day of her funeral prayers. I humbly appeal to everyone to maintain discipline in all forms of mourning, including prayers and funerals.”
The people of the country have been given an opportunity to express their grief by declaring three days of state mourning and general holidays on behalf of the government. During this time, flags will be kept at half-mast in all government and semi-government institutions.
Notably, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia breathed her last at 6 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital (Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raziun). He was 80 years old at the time of his death.