Dhaka – The government has announced a three-day state mourning to honor former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Khaleda Zia, the chief of Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the country’s first female prime minister, passed away at the age of 80 in a Dhaka hospital on Tuesday.
Chief of the Interim Administration, Mohammad Yunus, made the announcement of state mourning in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday. He also declared a one-day public holiday on Wednesday, the day of Khaleda Zia’s funeral.
Zia’s funeral prayers will be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, after which she will be laid to rest beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, in Dhaka, the BNP said.
Earlier, the party declared a seven-day mourning as a mark of respect to the party chief.
In his address, Yunus described Khaleda Zia as an immensely eminent personality in Bangladeshi politics, stating that her extraordinary role in the struggle for democracy, a multi-party-political culture, and the establishment of people’s rights would remain indelible in history.
“Her uncompromising leadership against autocracy and fascism repeatedly showed the nation the path to emerge from undemocratic situations and provided inspiration for liberation,” he said.
“The nation will forever remember her illustrious contributions to the country and its people with respect.”
He added that her long political journey, pro-people leadership, and unwavering role in upholding the independence and sovereignty of her beloved motherland would remain unforgettable.
“The void left by such a great, visionary, and pure-hearted patriotic leader is irreplaceable,” Yunus said.
In this sorrowful moment, he appealed to all citizens to pray, from their respective positions, to Almighty Allah for the forgiveness of Khaleda Zia’s departed soul.
Yunus also called upon the people to remain united during this difficult time for the nation.
“I call upon everyone to be vigilant so that no one can attempt to create instability or destruction during this period of mourning. It is extremely crucial for all of us to act responsibly,” he emphasized.
He further appealed to the public to maintain order during the funeral prayers and all other mourning observances.
