Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Jan 6, 2026 (BSS) - The Khulna City unit BNP has successfully 
concluded a centrally announced seven-day mourning programmes following the 
death of Begum Khaleda Zia, a three-time former prime minister, BNP 
chairperson and a symbol of the restoration of democracy.

The mourning programme formally ended on Tuesday through a series of 
observances across the city.

As part of the week-long programme, the Khulna City BNP organised various 
activities, including party leaders and activists wearing black badges, 
keeping party flags at half-mast, holding memorial meetings, Qurankhani, 
opening condolence books and arranging special doa mahfils.
 
A large number of leaders and activists from different tiers of the 
metropolitan unit, along with leaders of its associate and affiliated 
organisations, participated in the programmes spontaneously.

City BNP President Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona said the late former prime 
minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was a symbol of national 
unity. She rose from being a housewife to a statesperson and was able to 
unite the entire nation through her leadership, he added.

After the conclusion of the mourning programmes, City BNP General Secretary 
Shafiqul Alam Tuhin said the people of Khulna were deeply grief-stricken at 
the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, whom he described as the "Mother of 
Democracy" and a symbol of "Courage and Struggle".
 
He said Khaleda Zia was an uncompromising leader in safeguarding the 
country's independence and sovereignty and the undisputed leader in restoring 
democracy time and again.

On the final day, a special doa mahfil was held seeking eternal peace and 
forgiveness for the departed soul. 

BNP leaders and activists also renewed their pledge to uphold and realise the 
democratic ideals left behind by Begum Khaleda Zia.