Khaleda Zia to be Buried Beside Ziaur Rahman; Govt Declares 3-Day State Mourning

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest tomorrow beside the grave of her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, in Dhaka. The decision was finalized during a special meeting of the Council of Advisers today, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Following a massive namaj-e-janaza scheduled at the Jatiya Sangsad South Plaza and Manik Mia Avenue after Johr prayers, the nation will begin a three-day period of state mourning. The interim government has also declared a general holiday for tomorrow to allow the public to pay their final respects.

The national flag will fly at half-mast at all government and private buildings, as well as Bangladesh missions abroad, for three days.

The meeting began with a one-minute silence and a special prayer (munajat) led by Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain.

Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus assured full state cooperation for the funeral and burial, recalling his recent "cheerful" meeting with the BNP leader on Armed Forces Day.

Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul criticized the previous administration, stating that the "indescribable torture" and imprisonment Khaleda Zia faced under Sheikh Hasina’s government significantly contributed to her early demise.

Condolence books will be opened at all Bangladesh missions abroad, and special prayers will be held across mosques and places of worship nationwide tomorrow.