Three-day state mourning on Begum Khaleda Zia's death, general holiday declared on Wednesday

A three-day state mourning will be observed on the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. This decision was announced by Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid while talking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday (December 30).

The Cabinet Secretary said that state mourning will be observed on December 31, January 1 and 2. In addition, a government holiday has been declared on Wednesday (December 31). Arrangements will be made for Begum Khaleda Zia's burial and shrouding with state honors on the same day. Her funeral will be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and later she will be buried at the tomb of martyred President Ziaur Rahman (Zia Udyan).

The Secretary said that Begum Khaleda Zia's body is currently kept at Evercare Hospital. All preparatory work will be completed there before the funeral. The body will then be taken to the National Assembly in the morning, where it will be taken on a procession through the main road. He expressed hope that the funeral may be held after Zohr tomorrow, but the final time will be decided in a meeting of the Home Ministry.

Earlier, Begum Khaleda Zia breathed her last at Evercare Hospital at 6 am on Tuesday after a long period of treatment. She will be buried next to the grave of her husband Ziaur Rahman with the respect of the nation after her funeral on Wednesday.