Bangladesh Concludes Three-Day State Mourning for Former PM Khaleda Zia

The three-day state mourning declared by the government following the demise of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia concludes today, Friday (January 2, 2026).

As part of the official mourning program, the national flag remains hoisted at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational facilities, and Bangladesh missions abroad. Special prayers (Dua) will be offered at mosques nationwide after the Jummah prayers, and other religious institutions will hold special sessions seeking eternal peace for her soul.

The mourning period was announced by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus during a televised address to the nation, which included a public holiday last Wednesday (December 31).

The final rites were performed earlier this week. On Wednesday afternoon, a massive Janaza (funeral prayer) was held at Manik Mia Avenue, led by the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Mufti Abdul Malek. Following the prayers, Begum Zia was laid to rest at 4:30 PM at Zia Uddan (Chandrima Udyan), beside the grave of her husband, former President Zia ur Rahman.

Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday, December 30, at 6:00 AM while undergoing treatment in the ICU at Evercare Hospital, ending her month-long battle with critical health complications.