By A P Abritty :

The government today issued a gazette notification, declaring a three-day state mourning from December 31 at the death of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Terming Begum Khaleda Zia as 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, during these three days, 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 in Bangladesh, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad,” said the gazette signed by Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid.

Special prayers will be held in all mosques across Bangladesh on Friday, January 2, 2026, for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Special prayers will also be held in other religious institutions.