The Advisory Council held a special meeting on Tuesday at the state guest house Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, to mourn the death of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
At the outset of the meeting, members stood in silence for one minute and offered prayers seeking eternal peace for the three-time former prime minister, widely regarded as a key figure in Bangladesh’s democratic movement. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain led the prayers.
The meeting decided to observe three days of state mourning from Wednesday and declared a one-day public holiday.
A condolence motion was also adopted, which Environment, Forest, Climate Change and Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan read out.
During the three days of mourning, the national flag will fly at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational establishments, private and public buildings, as well as Bangladesh missions abroad.
Special prayers and munajat will be held on Wednesday in mosques across the country for Khaleda Zia. Other places of worship will also arrange special prayers.
The meeting further decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad to mark the former prime minister’s death.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the meeting as a special invitee. On behalf of Khaleda Zia’s family and the party, he expressed gratitude to the interim government and thanked the Chief Adviser for ensuring her security and providing all necessary support.
He informed the meeting that Khaleda Zia’s janaza will take place on Wednesday after Zuhr prayers at the south plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and the adjacent Manik Mia Avenue. She will be laid to rest beside her husband, former president and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman.
Yunus assured that the government will extend full cooperation for the janaza and burial.
“This is a time of deep mourning,” the chief adviser said.
“The entire nation prayed for Begum Khaleda Zia so that she could remain with us for many more years. We seek forgiveness for her soul and extend condolences to her family on behalf of the nation. The government will provide all necessary assistance regarding her janaza and burial.”
Recalling his last meeting with her, Yunus said he had met Khaleda Zia on 21 November during Armed Forces Day.
“She was very cheerful that day. She spoke with me for a long time and inquired about my health and my wife’s health. She herself was unwell, yet she remained concerned about others. At this crucial moment for the nation, when unity is essential, her presence was deeply needed. Her passing is a great loss for the country,” he said.
