What Actions Will BNP Take Following Khaleda Zia's Death?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Khaleda Zia was a prominent political figure, serving as the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
- The BNP has initiated a seven-day mourning period in her honor.
- The interim government declared a three-day state mourning following her passing.
- Her funeral will be held on Wednesday in Dhaka.
- Khaleda Zia leaves behind her family, including her son Tarique Rahman.
Dhaka, Dec 30 (NationPress) In response to the passing of its chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee convened an urgent meeting on Tuesday to outline the party's future actions, as reported by local media.
The session was led by Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia's son and the BNP's Acting Chairman, and took place at the chairperson's Gulshan office in Dhaka.
Attending the meeting were several party officials, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the BNP Secretary General, along with Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Nazrul Islam Khan, as reported by the prominent Bangladeshi daily, Dhaka Tribune.
Khaleda Zia passed away early on Tuesday morning after a lengthy illness at the age of 80, her party confirmed.
As per a statement from the BNP, she succumbed to her ailments around 6 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been receiving treatment for over a month.
The BNP has instituted a seven-day mourning period in remembrance of Khaleda Zia.
The mourning program, announced by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, includes the display of black flags at all party offices nationwide for a week, complemented by party members wearing black badges during this time.
Reports indicate that during a special meeting of the Bangladesh interim government's Council of Advisors, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir revealed that Khaleda Zia's funeral will take place on Wednesday in Dhaka.
He stated that she will be interred beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.
Additionally, the interim government declared a three-day state mourning period and a general holiday on Wednesday to honor Khaleda Zia’s memory.
This announcement was made by the interim government's Chief Advisor, Mohammad Yunus, during a televised statement to the public on Tuesday.
"I sincerely urge everyone to uphold decorum during all mourning activities, including the Namaz-e-Janaza. I understand that many are feeling deeply emotional at this moment. I hope you will exhibit patience during this time of grief and assist those involved in carrying out all necessary arrangements, including her funeral," quoted Yunus by Bangladeshi media outlet UNB.
Khaleda had been hospitalized in Dhaka since November 23 due to severe complications concerning her heart and lungs, remaining under diligent medical care before her passing.
She leaves behind her elder son, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman.