Staff Reporter:
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has observed the fourth day of its seven-day mourning pro-grams yesterday (Saturday) over the death of its Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
Begum Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh, passed away in early morning of December 30 at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was 80.
The government had also declared three-day state mourning following her demise which ended yesterday (Friday).
Begum Zia, three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh, died around 6:00 am local time while undergoing medical treatment at a hospital. In response, the BNP on Tuesday announced seven days of mourning.
As part of the program, black flags have been hoisted at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan and at party offices nationwide. Party leaders, activists, and supporters are wearing black badges in her memory.
Doa mahfils (prayer gatherings) and Quran recitations are being held at party offices and other locations across the country.
Condolence books have been opened at the BNP central office, the Chairperson’s Gulshan office in Dha-ka, and at district offices, allowing members of the public to pay their respects.
Following her death, the government on the same day declared a three-day state mourning from Decem-ber 31 issuing a gazette notification.
Terming Begum Khaleda Zia the uncompromising leader of the movement to restore democracy, the gazette said the interim government is deeply saddened by her death.
As part of the state mourning program, the national flag was flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and all government and private build-ings in Bangladesh, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad.
Special prayers were held in all mosques across Bangladesh on Friday for the eternal peace of the de-parted soul. Special prayers were also held in other religious institutions.
The namaz-e-janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia held at the Manik Mia Avenue in the city after Zohr prayers on Wednesday (December 31).
Later, Begum Khaleda Zia was laid to eternal rest with state honour beside her husband Shaheed Presi-dent and valiant freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman’s grave.
