BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday informed a special meeting of the Council of Advisers that the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday.

The janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, adjacent to the Manik Mia Avenue.

He said Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman.

Mirza Fakhrul attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus following a special invitation.

During the meeting, he expressed gratitude to the interim government on behalf of the family and BNP and thanked the Chief Adviser for extending all necessary assistance, including security arrangements for Begum Khaleda Zia.

At the beginning of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of three-time former Prime Minister, uncompromising leader of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, followed by prayers for the eternal peace of her soul.

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the prayers.

The meeting declared a three-day state mourning starting Wednesday, along with a one-day general holiday on Wednesday.

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

During the three days of state mourning, 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 the country, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad.

At the same time, special prayers will be held in mosques across the country on Wednesday, seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia.

Special prayers will also be organised at places of worship of other religions.

The meeting also decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad.

Prof Yunus said the government would provide all possible assistance during the burial and Namaz-e-Janaza of Khaleda Zia.

Tarique, other family members were by Khaleda’s side during her demise

“Today, we have all gathered at a time of deep mourning. The entire nation had been praying for Begum Khaleda Zia, hoping that she would live with us for many more years. We pray for the eternal peace of her soul. On behalf of the nation, we express our heartfelt condolences to her family,” he said.

“The last time I met her was on November 21, Armed Forces Day. That day, she was very cheerful and spoke with me for a long time. She enquired about my health and my wife’s health. Although she herself was ill, she remained concerned about the wellbeing of others. She was with us,” the CA said.

“We desperately needed her presence at this crucial time for the nation, when unity is essential. Her passing is a great loss to the country,” Prof Yunus said.