The government has declared a three-day state mourning following the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, with Wednesday announced as a public holiday.

The decision was taken at a special meeting of the Advisory Council held on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

At the outset of the meeting, members observed one minute of silence, standing in respect of the three-time former prime minister and uncompromising leader of the democratic movement, and offered prayers seeking forgiveness for her departed soul. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the doa and munajat.

The meeting decided to observe state mourning for three days starting Wednesday and declared a general holiday for one day on Wednesday. A condolence motion was also adopted at the meeting, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser and Information Adviser Rizwana Hasan.

During the mourning period, the national flag will be kept at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, all public and private buildings, as well as Bangladesh missions abroad.

Special prayers will be offered on Wednesday at mosques across the country seeking eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be held at places of worship of other religions.

The meeting further decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad to express grief over the death of the former prime minister.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the meeting as a special guest. On behalf of Begum Khaleda Zia’s family and the BNP, he expressed gratitude to the interim government and thanked the Chief Adviser for all necessary support, including security arrangements.

He informed the meeting that Begum Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza will be held on Wednesday after Zuhr at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and the adjoining Manik Mia Avenue. She will be laid to rest beside her husband, martyred President and valiant freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus assured that the government would extend all possible cooperation regarding the funeral and burial of the former prime minister.

“We have gathered at a moment of deep grief,” the Chief Adviser said. “The entire nation had been praying for Begum Khaleda Zia so that she could remain with us for many more years. We seek forgiveness for her soul and, on behalf of the nation, extend our condolences to her family. The government will provide all necessary assistance for her janaza and burial.”

Recalling his last meeting with her, Professor Yunus said, “I last met her on November 21 on Armed Forces Day. She was very cheerful that day and spoke with me at length. She inquired about my health and my wife’s health. Though she herself was unwell, she remained concerned about others’ wellbeing. At this crucial time for the nation, when unity is essential, her presence was deeply needed. Her passing is a great loss for the nation.”