The funeral of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, after Zuhr prayers at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and the adjacent Manik Mia Avenue. She will be laid to rest beside her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.

Today, Tuesday, a special meeting of the Advisory Council was held at the State Guest House, Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the meeting as a special invitee. During the meeting, he announced the decisions regarding Khaleda Zia’s funeral and burial. This information was later confirmed in a press release by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passed away this morning at 6:00 AM while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka (Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un).

The Press Wing of the Chief Adviser stated that the meeting began with a minute of silence and prayers for the departed soul of the three-time former Prime Minister, steadfast leader of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson. The prayers were led by Religious Adviser A. F. M. Khalid Hossain.

The meeting also decided to observe three days of national mourning starting tomorrow, Wednesday, and declared a one-day public holiday.

As part of the state mourning, all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and Bangladesh missions abroad will fly the national flag at half-mast. Special prayers will also be held in mosques across the country for Khaleda Zia’s soul, with similar arrangements at other places of worship for different religions.

Bangladesh missions abroad will also open condolence books in memory of the former Prime Minister.

A condolence resolution was adopted at the meeting, read by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Information and Broadcasting.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Khaleda Zia’s family and party representatives, expressed gratitude to the interim government for its support and assistance regarding her security and funeral arrangements. The Chief Adviser assured that the government would provide all necessary support for the funeral and related arrangements.

The Chief Adviser stated, “We have gathered in deep sorrow today. The entire nation has been praying for Khaleda Zia, wishing she could have stayed with us for many more years. We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and convey our heartfelt condolences to her family on behalf of the nation. The government will provide all necessary assistance for her funeral and prayers.”

Recalling his last meeting with her, the Chief Adviser said, “I last met her on 21st November during Armed Forces Day. She was very cheerful that day and spoke with me for a long time, asking about the health of my wife and me. Despite her illness, she was concerned for everyone’s well-being. Her presence was crucial at this important time for the nation, when unity is essential. Her passing is a tremendous loss for the country.”