Ashis Chowdhury, Special Correspondent, Broadcasting News Corporation: Former Prime Minister and ‘Deshnetri’ Begum Khaleda Zia passed away on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) at 6:00 AM, leaving the nation in deep mourning (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un).

On Tuesday (December 30, 2025) at 12:30 PM, an emergency special meeting of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee was held, chaired by Acting Chairman Mr. Tarique Rahman.
In addition to observing seven days of mourning at the party level, Quran Khani and Doa Mahfils will be organized at the metropolitan, district, and upazila levels. The committee adopted a condolence motion reflecting on Begum Zia’s dignified and illustrious political career, and her extraordinary contributions to establishing and consolidating democracy and every stage of the nation’s development.
The Standing Committee expressed its heartfelt gratitude for the deep love shown by the people toward Begum Zia.

The party also thanked the interim government for granting VIP status to Begum Khaleda Zia, providing comprehensive medical assistance, and declaring national mourning and a public holiday in her honor.

Prayers were offered for the salvation of Begum Zia’s soul, wishing her bereaved family the strength to bear this loss.

As part of the arrangements, the Janaza (funeral prayer) of Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday (December 31, 2025) after Zuhr prayers at the National Parliament Plaza. Considering the massive gathering expected, necessary preparations will also be extended to the entire Manik Mia Avenue, Mirpur Road, and Farmgate areas.

The government will observe all state formalities. Following the Janaza, she will be laid to rest at the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Mausoleum complex in the Zia Uddan area of the Parliament premises.

The public is requested to maintain restraint, discipline, and solemnity during these religious ceremonies.

To facilitate tributes from foreign missions, embassies, and offices, condolence books will remain open for the next three days starting today at the Chairperson’s office in Gulshan and the party’s central office in Nayapaltan.

Any further decisions regarding future programs will be communicated in due course.