The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee convened urgently to plan the party’s next steps following the demise of its leader, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Chaired by Khaleda Zia’s son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the meeting took place at the chairperson’s Gulshan office in Dhaka. Notable attendees included BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members.
Khaleda Zia, aged 80, passed away early Tuesday morning after battling a prolonged illness at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The BNP announced a seven-day mourning program in honor of Khaleda Zia, with directives for party offices to fly black flags and members to wear black badges. The funeral ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday in Dhaka, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.
The interim government declared a three-day state mourning and a general holiday on Wednesday to commemorate Khaleda Zia’s passing. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus urged the public to maintain decorum during mourning activities, including the funeral proceedings. Khaleda Zia had been hospitalized since November 23 due to critical heart and lung complications before her demise.
