A special meeting of the Advisory Council was held today (30 December 2025) at the State Guest House Jamuna under the chairmanship of Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus.
At the beginning of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of the death of three-time former Prime Minister, uncompromising leader of the democratic movement and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and prayers were offered for the eternal peace of her soul. Religious Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the prayer.
The meeting decided to declare a three-day state mourning from tomorrow and a one-day general holiday tomorrow on the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.
A condolence resolution was adopted in the meeting on the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Information Advisor Rizwana Hasan.
The national flag will be flown at half-mast in all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational institutions and all government and private buildings in the country and Bangladesh missions abroad for three days of state mourning. At the same time, special prayers and prayers will be organized in every mosque in the country tomorrow to seek forgiveness for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be organized in places of worship of other religions.
It was decided in the meeting that condolence books will be opened in Bangladesh missions abroad on the death of the former Prime Minister.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir participated in the meeting on a special invitation. He expressed gratitude to the interim government on behalf of the family and party of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and thanked the Chief Advisor for all the necessary assistance, including Begum Khaleda Zia’s security.
He said that Begum Khaleda Zia’s funeral will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, after Zohr, at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and the adjacent Manik Mia Avenue. He will be buried next to martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman.
In today’s meeting, Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus said that the government will provide all possible assistance in the burial and funeral of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
The Principal Advisor said, “Today, we have all gathered in a time of deep mourning. The entire nation was praying for Begum Khaleda Zia, so that she may live with us for many more years. We pray for the eternal peace of her soul. On behalf of the nation, we express our condolences to her family. The government will provide all necessary assistance regarding her burial and funeral.”
Reminiscing, the Principal Advisor said, “The last time I met him was on November 21st, Armed Forces Day. That day, he was very cheerful. He talked to me for a long time. He inquired about my, my wife’s, health. He himself was sick, but he was concerned about everyone’s well-being. He was with us. “We desperately needed his presence at this crucial time for the nation, when we must all remain united. His passing is a great loss to the nation.”
