Second day of state mourning observed

National flag was flying at half-mast while many public and private sector officials wore black badges on Thursday, the second day of a three-day state mourning, declared following the death of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

As part of the state mourning programmes, the national flag was being flown at half-mast at all the government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and public and private buildings across the country as well as at Bangladeshi missions abroad.

On Thursday morning, it was observed that the national flag was flying at half-mast at the Secretariat new building-1, which houses the Cabinet Division and the Ministry of Public Administration. Some officials were also seen wearing black badges. Regular activities at the Secretariat, however, were continuing as usual.

Meanwhile, special prayers will be offered in all mosques and other religious institutions across the country today (Friday), seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia.

The BNP chairperson passed away on Tuesday morning (Dec 30) after receiving treatment for 37 days at Evercare Hospital in the capital, where she had been admitted on Nov 23.

Khaleda Zia's namaz-e-janaza was held on the parliament premises and along Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on Wednesday (Dec 31). Thousands of people attended her funeral prayers. She was then laid to rest beside the grave of Ziaur Rahman, her husband, former president, and BNP founder.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com