Dhaka: The government today issued a gazette notification, declaring a three-day state mourning from December 31 due to the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the three-time former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the gazette describes Begum Khaleda Zia as the uncompromising leader of the movement to restore democracy and expresses the interim government’s deep sorrow over her passing.
The gazette, signed by Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, outlines the state mourning program, stating that the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and all government and private buildings across Bangladesh. Additionally, Bangladesh missions abroad will observe the same protocol during the mourning period.
Special prayers are scheduled to take place in all mosques across Bangladesh on Friday, January 2, 2026, to pray for the eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia’s departed soul. Similar prayers will also be conducted in other religious institutions across the country.