Dhaka, Broadcasting News Corporation: A special meeting of the Advisory Council was held on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) at the State Guest House Jamuna, presided over by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
At the beginning of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of the late three-time former Prime Minister, relentless leader of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, followed by a prayer for the forgiveness of her soul. Religious Adviser Afam Khalid Hossain conducted the prayer.
The meeting decided to declare three days of national mourning starting tomorrow due to the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, along with a one-day general holiday tomorrow.
During the meeting, a condolence motion on the death of Begum Khaleda Zia was adopted, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Information Adviser Rizwana Hasan.
During the three days of national mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational institutions, as well as all public and private buildings in the country, and at Bangladesh missions abroad. At the same time, tomorrow in every mosque in the country, special prayers and supplications will be held for the departed soul of Begum Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be organized at places of worship of other religions.
It was decided at the meeting that condolence books would be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad on the occasion of the former Prime Minister’s death.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the meeting by special invitation. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s family and the party to the interim government, and thanked the Chief Advisor for all necessary support, including security for Begum Khaleda Zia.
He stated that tomorrow, Wednesday, after Zuhur, Begum Khaleda Zia’s funeral will be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and the adjoining Manik Mia Avenue. She will be buried beside the martyred President, Bir Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman.

In today’s meeting, the Prime Minister’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said that the government will provide all kinds of assistance regarding former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s funeral and burial.

The Chief Adviser said, ‘Today, we have all gathered in a time of deep sorrow. The entire nation was praying for Begum Khaleda Zia, hoping she would stay with us for many more years. We pray for the forgiveness of her soul. On behalf of the nation, we extend our condolences to her family. The government will provide all necessary assistance regarding her burial and funeral.’

Recalling memories, the Chief Adviser said, ‘The last time I met her was on 21st November during Armed Forces Day. That day she was very cheerful. She talked with me for a long time. She inquired about the health of my wife and me. She herself was unwell, but she was concerned about everyone else’s well-being. She was with us.At this important time for the nation, when we all must remain united, his presence was immensely needed. His passing is a great loss for the nation.