Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to deliver a televised address to the nation at 12:00 PM today, Tuesday, following the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The speech will be broadcast live on state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar.
The interim government has moved quickly to coordinate the national response on Khaleda Zia’s Death. A special cabinet session was convened at 10:30 AM to discuss funeral logistics and determine whether the three-time Prime Minister will be accorded full state honors.
Chief Advisor Yunus personally contacted BNP leadership, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, to offer condolences and coordinate burial arrangements.
In a formal condolence message, Professor Yunus lauded Khaleda Zia as a "significant chapter" in the country’s history. He described her as a "great guardian" and a "tested politician" whose firm resolve in the struggle for democracy and multi-party politics remains a guiding light for the nation, regardless of political affiliations.
The 80-year-old leader, known as the "uncompromising" voice of the 1990s anti-autocracy movement, passed away at 6:00 AM at Evercare Hospital. As the nation prepares for her final rites, the BNP Standing Committee is also meeting to finalize their internal programs, which will be harmonized with the government’s official schedule.
