BNP Declares Seven-Day Mourning After Khaleda Zia’s Death

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today described the death of party Chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia as an irreparable loss, saying she devoted her entire life to the country and its people.

“The party never imagined it would have to deliver such news. We hoped she would recover,” Fakhrul said while speaking to reporters. Struggling to hold back tears, he added that her passing has created a deep political and emotional void.

With the approval of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the party has finalised a series of programmes to mark her death, Fakhrul said. He also noted that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had contacted party leaders and informed them that a cabinet meeting would be held soon to complete formalities related to Khaleda Zia’s burial.

“We will coordinate with the government regarding the burial. Alongside that, the party will observe its own programmes in coordination with official arrangements,” Fakhrul added.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi later announced that the party will observe a seven-day mourning programme. As part of the observance, black flags will be hoisted at all party offices across the country, and party leaders and activists will wear black badges throughout the mourning period.

Rizvi also said a condolence book will be opened at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, while the schedule of the janaza will be announced later.

Earlier, Dr Shahabuddin Talukder, chief of Khaleda Zia’s medical board, confirmed that the former prime minister passed away at 6:00am. Speaking with visible emotion, he conveyed the news to journalists.