BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. -File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 6, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)’s seven-day mourning programme over the death of its Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was observed as the party announced the programme following her demise on December 30.

Begum Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as an uncompromising leader for democracy in Bangladesh, passed away in early morning of December 30 at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was 80.

The government had also declared three-day state mourning following her demise which ended on Friday last. 

As part of the programme, black flags were hoisted at the BNP's central office in Nayapaltan and at party offices nationwide. Party leaders, activists, and supporters wore black badges in her memory.

Doa mahfils (prayer gatherings) and Quran recitations were held at party offices and other locations across the country. 

Condolence books were opened at the BNP central office, the Chairperson's Gulshan office in Dhaka, and at district offices, allowing members of the public to pay their respects.

Following her death, the government on the same day declared a three-day state mourning from December 31 issuing a gazette notification.
Terming Begum Khaleda Zia the uncompromising leader of the movement to restore democracy, the gazette said the interim government is deeply saddened by her death.

As part of the state mourning programme, the national flag was flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and all government and private buildings in Bangladesh, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad.

Special prayers were held in all mosques across Bangladesh on Friday for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Special prayers were also held in other religious institutions.

The namaz-e-janaza of Begum Khaleda Zia was held at the Manik Mia Avenue in the city after Zohr prayers on December 31. Millions of people from across the country joined the janaza. 

Later, Begum Khaleda Zia was laid to eternal rest with full state honour beside her husband Shaheed President and valiant freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman's grave in the Zia Udyan.

In the following days, homage continued pouring in at the grave of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Since the gravesite was opened to all, BNP leaders, activists, and people from all walks of life paid their tributes by placing wreaths at her grave along with paying tributes to Ziaur Rahman in Zia Udyan at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar here. 

The gravesite became a focal point of tribute and profound affection, uniting party members and ordinary citizens alike.

The grave's platform was adorned with flowers, and visitors were seen standing with bowed heads for extended periods, while others prayed with closed eyes.