Advisory Council adopts condolence resolution on Khaleda Zia’s death

 

Photo: CA Press Wing

A special meeting of the Advisory Council was held today at the State Guest House Jamuna with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair.

At the outset, members stood in silence for one minute and offered prayers for the departed soul of three-time former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the prayers.

The meeting decided to declare three days of state mourning starting tomorrow and observe a one-day general holiday tomorrow.

A condolence resolution on Khaleda Zia's death was adopted at the meeting, read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Information Adviser Rizwana Hasan.

During the three days of state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, all public and private buildings across the country, and Bangladesh missions abroad. Special prayers and supplications will be arranged tomorrow at every mosque in the country seeking forgiveness for her departed soul. Special prayers will also be held at places of worship of other religions.

The meeting decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the meeting as a special invitee. On behalf of the family and party, he expressed gratitude to the interim government and thanked the chief adviser for providing all necessary assistance, including security, to Khaleda Zia.

He said the janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia will be held tomorrow after Zohr prayers at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. She will be laid to rest beside martyred president and valiant freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said the government would extend all kinds of cooperation regarding the burial and janaza.

"Today, we have gathered at a time of deep mourning. 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. On behalf of the nation, we express our condolences to her family. The government will provide all kinds of assistance required regarding her burial and janaza," the chief adviser said.

Recalling memories, he said, "The last time I met her was on November 21 on Armed Forces Day. She was very cheerful that day. She spoke with me for quite some time. She inquired about my and my wife's health. She herself was ill, but she was concerned about everyone's well-being. She was with us. At this important moment for the nation, when all of us must remain united, her presence was immensely necessary. Her passing is a great loss for the nation."