The Junior Scholarship Examination for eighth-grade students, scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, has been postponed due to the government’s declaration of three days of state mourning following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The rescheduled exam will now take place on Monday, January 5, 2026, according to a notice signed by Professor S M Kamal Uddin Haydar, Controller of Examinations of the Dhaka Board of Secondary and Higher Education.

The government declared December 31 a public holiday as part of the mourning period, which will continue until January 2. During this time, national flags will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and educational institutions, as well as at Bangladesh’s missions abroad. Khaleda Zia passed away at 6 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka while undergoing treatment.

The postponement ensures that the national mourning period is observed across all institutions, with the Junior Scholarship Examination to proceed as per the revised schedule.

The Iranian Embassy in Bangladesh has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a condolence message sent to the media on Tuesday, December 30, the embassy conveyed Iran’s sympathy to the government and people of Bangladesh, as well as to the BNP leadership and members.

The statement described Begum Khaleda Zia as a distinguished national leader who played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political history. It noted her contributions to democratic governance and public life, and recalled that during her tenure as prime minister, Bangladesh and the Islamic Republic of Iran maintained constructive and friendly relations based on mutual respect and cooperation.

The embassy extended its heartfelt condolences to her family, particularly her son Tarique Rahman, and to her colleagues and supporters, praying for peace for her departed soul.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a condolence message sent to the media on Tuesday, the organization’s Amir Allama Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman conveyed their grief and prayed for the forgiveness of her soul. They also extended sympathy to her bereaved family.

The Hefazat leaders described Begum Zia as a courageous, patriotic Bangladeshi Muslim woman who supported Islamic values and national sovereignty. They recalled her 2013 stance against the Shahbagh movement, which she termed “atheists’ square,” and her open support for Hefazat’s May 5 Dhaka blockade. According to the statement, her uncompromising political role inspired the people and made her a respected national figure before her death.

The statement further said that Khaleda Zia’s long struggle against Indian dominance and the “fascist Hasina government” would remain a memorable chapter in Bangladesh’s political history. Hefazat expressed hope that the current BNP would continue her ideals of sovereignty and anti-hegemony politics.

China has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. On Wednesday morning, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen sent a condolence message to BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The message stated that the Chinese people would always remember Khaleda Zia’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China.

The message further noted that in Khaleda Zia’s absence, the Communist Party of China is interested in continuing the positive trend of Bangladesh-China relations through cooperation with her elder son and acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman. China also extended heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

The condolence message highlights China’s recognition of Khaleda Zia’s role in fostering bilateral ties and signals Beijing’s intention to maintain close engagement with the BNP leadership in the future.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s funeral and burial will be conducted with full state honors, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. He announced the decision on Tuesday afternoon after an emergency meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka. More than 10,000 members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed to ensure maximum security during the funeral. The Chief Adviser and all advisers are expected to attend the ceremony.

Shafiqul Alam stated that on Wednesday, Khaleda Zia’s body will be transported from Evercare Hospital to the Parliament Plaza under tight security, and Bangladesh Television will broadcast the event live. The burial arrangements will be coordinated in consultation with BNP leaders and activists. The emergency meeting earlier in the day discussed overall security and organizational measures following Khaleda Zia’s death.

The government’s decision to accord full state honors reflects the significance of Khaleda Zia’s political legacy and ensures a secure and orderly farewell ceremony in the capital.

The United Nations has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a condolence message issued on December 30, 2025, the UN extended sympathy to her family and reaffirmed its solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh during this time of mourning.

According to the UN statement, the organization conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the family and relatives of the late leader, describing her as a respected former prime minister. The message reiterated the UN’s continued support and solidarity with Bangladesh as the nation mourns her passing.

Across Bangladesh, political circles and the wider public have been mourning Khaleda Zia’s death. Various political parties, social organizations, and prominent individuals have been paying their final respects, with condolence messages and tributes continuing to pour in from different parts of the country.

The Iranian Embassy in Dhaka has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 30, the embassy described her as a significant figure in Bangladesh’s political history and noted that relations between Bangladesh and Iran were friendly and constructive during her tenure.

The embassy further stated that Khaleda Zia was a prominent national leader who made notable contributions to democratic governance and public welfare. It emphasized that under her leadership, bilateral relations between the two countries strengthened on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation.

The statement also conveyed heartfelt condolences to her family, particularly her son Tarique Rahman, as well as to her party colleagues and supporters, and prayed for the peace of her soul.

Jagannath University authorities have decided to hold the central student union (JAKSU) and hall elections on January 6. The decision was taken at a special syndicate meeting following the postponement of the earlier schedule. Syndicate member Professor Dr. Belal Hossain confirmed that the election commission has been instructed to proceed with necessary preparations.

The special meeting was convened after the election was temporarily suspended on December 30 due to the death of former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The suspension triggered unrest on campus, with student organizations and general students staging demonstrations demanding the election be held as planned. During the protests, various student groups exchanged accusations, some calling the postponement politically motivated while others questioned the administration’s decision.

Following multiple rounds of discussions, the university administration set the new date to restore order. Many students have urged that the election be conducted fairly and without further delay. The election commission announced that a revised schedule and detailed voting instructions will be released soon.

Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, shared an emotional post on his verified Facebook account on Tuesday following his mother’s death. In the post, he announced that Khaleda Zia had responded to the call of the Almighty and passed away, expressing deep sorrow and remembrance of her life and legacy.

Rahman described his mother as a compassionate figure who dedicated her entire life to the people and the nation. He recalled her lifelong struggle against autocracy, fascism, and domination, and her leadership in the fight for independence, sovereignty, and democracy. He also reflected on her personal sacrifices, including the loss of her husband and son, and her endurance through imprisonment and deprivation.

He concluded by asking everyone to pray for his mother and expressed gratitude for the love and respect shown by the people of Bangladesh and the international community toward her memory.

Legal adviser Asif Nazrul has said that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina bears responsibility for the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He made the remarks on Tuesday after a special meeting of the advisory council, during a press conference. Nazrul alleged that Khaleda Zia had been subjected to various forms of torture during what he described as a fascist regime, which endangered her life and led to her premature death.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, announced state mourning and other programs to honor Khaleda Zia. Nazrul also claimed that Khaleda Zia had been imprisoned under a false and staged verdict, describing it as a global example of injustice. He said the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division had confirmed that the verdict was fabricated.

The comments came amid national mourning and heightened security arrangements, with over ten thousand law enforcement members deployed for related events in Dhaka.

Inqilab Mancha has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a compassionate guardian of Bangladesh. The organization issued a statement on Tuesday mourning her passing and praying for her eternal peace.

According to the statement, Inqilab Mancha referred to Khaleda Zia as an uncompromising national leader whose death marks the loss of a caring guardian for the nation. The group extended condolences and prayed for her to be granted a place in paradise.

The report also highlighted that Khaleda Zia’s death has been described by various figures as a major loss for the country’s politics, with reflections on her life of struggle and leadership.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is holding a meeting at the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The meeting began at 12:38 p.m. on Tuesday and aims to determine the necessary actions following the death of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Senior BNP leaders including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Nazrul Islam Khan are attending the meeting. Meanwhile, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed are returning to Dhaka from their respective constituencies to join the discussions.

The meeting is expected to outline the party’s immediate course of action in response to Khaleda Zia’s passing, which has been described as a significant loss for Bangladesh’s political landscape.

The Bangladesh Labour Party has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran said the nation has lost a courageous democratic leader whose leadership and sacrifice will remain memorable in the country’s political history.

Dr. Iran described Khaleda Zia as not only the leader of the BNP but also a symbol of unity among pro-democracy political forces. He recalled her direct participation in several Labour Party and student movement programs, which served as a source of inspiration for their activists. He also shared that his personal relationship with her was affectionate, and she guided him with courage and direction in political struggles.

In the condolence message, Dr. Iran stated that despite imprisonment, persecution, and adversity, Khaleda Zia’s uncompromising role in establishing democracy, voting rights, and human rights will be remembered with respect. The Labour Party prayed for the salvation of her soul and extended condolences to her bereaved family, party members, and the nation.

A special meeting of the BNP Advisory Council was held on Tuesday morning at the state guesthouse Jamuna following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. After the meeting, Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul announced a three-day national mourning period and a public holiday for Wednesday. He said the day marked deep sorrow, and one minute of silence was observed during the session.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who attended the meeting by special invitation, stated that Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayer will be held after the noon prayer on Wednesday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. She will be buried beside former President Ziaur Rahman. The government is overseeing all arrangements for the funeral and burial, and an emergency meeting was called at the Ministry of Home Affairs at 12:30 p.m. today to coordinate preparations.

Foreign ministers from Pakistan and India are expected to attend the funeral, and more than 10,000 law enforcement personnel will be deployed for security.

Bangladesh’s interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced three days of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. She passed away at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at the age of 80. In a national address at noon, Dr. Yunus described her as a revered figure in Bangladesh’s politics and urged citizens to maintain patience and discipline during the mourning period.

Dr. Yunus praised Khaleda Zia’s lifelong contributions to democracy, multiparty politics, and the defense of people’s rights, calling her leadership against autocracy and fascism uncompromising. He said her political journey and dedication to national sovereignty would remain unforgettable. Expressing deep sorrow, he extended condolences to her family, colleagues, and supporters on behalf of the nation.

The chief adviser also declared a public holiday on the day of her funeral prayers and called for orderly observance of all mourning activities across the country.