Popular Islamic scholar and speaker Maulana Mizanur Rahman Azhari has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, December 30, he wrote that Khaleda Zia has completed her worldly journey and prayed for Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her good deeds, and make her a guest in paradise.

According to the report, Khaleda Zia passed away at 6 a.m. at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been under treatment. She was 80 years old at the time of her death. The country’s Chief Adviser also expressed grief, describing her passing as the loss of a great guardian of the nation and conveying his deep sorrow.

The article notes that social media has been flooded with images and videos from Khaleda Zia’s funeral, reflecting widespread mourning across the country.

In Lalmonirhat’s Patgram upazila, the district executive magistrate fined representatives of BNP and Jamaat for violating the election code of conduct ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Monday, December 29, the magistrate, Mir Foysal Ali, imposed a fine of 20,000 taka on the representative of BNP’s nominated candidate Barrister Hasan Rajib Pradhan for gathering a large crowd in front of his residence before submitting nomination papers. Jamaat’s nominated candidate Anwarul Islam Raju’s representative was fined 5,000 taka for campaigning with the party symbol in Jagatber Union.

According to the mobile court, the fines were imposed under section 9(gha) of the Political Party and Candidate Code of Conduct 2025. Representatives of both parties paid the fines on behalf of their respective organizations. Patgram Police Officer-in-Charge Nazmul Haque was present during the operation.

The magistrate stated that both BNP and Jamaat were penalized for breaching the election code, emphasizing that the fines were settled by their local representatives.

The Officers’ Association of BMET has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The condolence message, signed by the association’s president Md Masud Rana, was issued to the media on Tuesday. The statement described Khaleda Zia as an unforgettable figure in Bangladesh’s political history and praised her contributions to restoring democracy, strengthening the multiparty system, and safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty.

The message further highlighted her uncompromising leadership, determination, and courage throughout a long political career marked by adversity. It noted that her struggle for people’s voting rights and democratic freedoms would continue to inspire the nation. The association also acknowledged her administrative experience, political wisdom, and patriotic stance as vital to Bangladesh’s political progress.

On behalf of the BMET Officers’ Association, prayers were offered for the departed soul, and heartfelt sympathy was extended to her bereaved family, party members, and admirers.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has announced a general holiday on Wednesday across all garment factories in the country following the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon through a press release issued by BGMEA Acting Secretary Major Md. Saiful Islam (Retd). The statement said Khaleda Zia, a three-time former prime minister, passed away at 6 a.m. on Tuesday. The government has declared three days of national mourning and one day of public holiday in her honor.

BGMEA said it agreed with the government’s decision and requested all member factories to observe a one-day general holiday on Wednesday. In a condolence message, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan expressed deep sorrow, describing Khaleda Zia’s death as an irreparable loss for the nation and the garment industry community. The association prayed for the departed soul and extended sympathy to her bereaved family.

The government’s declaration of national mourning and BGMEA’s observance reflect the widespread respect for Khaleda Zia’s political legacy and leadership.

Preparations are underway for the funeral prayer of Begum Khaleda Zia, three-time former Prime Minister, uncompromising leader of the democratic movement, and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The janaza will be held on Wednesday after Zuhr prayers, around 2 p.m., at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. Instead of the South Plaza of the National Parliament, her coffin will be placed at the western end of the avenue, with the ceremony extending across the Parliament grounds and the entire avenue.

Security forces and relevant state agencies have completed all necessary arrangements to allow citizens to pay their respects smoothly. Measures are being taken to accommodate the public along surrounding roads. After the janaza, at around 3:30 p.m., Begum Khaleda Zia will be buried with state honors beside the late President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar’s Zia Udyan. Only designated individuals will be allowed at the burial site, and public movement in the area will remain restricted until the ceremony concludes.

Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) paid tribute to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia following her death. On Tuesday night, NCP Convener Nahid Islam and other party leaders visited the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka, where they signed the condolence book on behalf of their party.

During the visit, Nahid Islam stated that Khaleda Zia’s uncompromising attitude and determination had inspired democracy-loving and freedom-seeking people across Bangladesh. He emphasized that her legacy would continue to motivate the struggle for the country’s sovereignty, freedom from dominance, and the establishment of democracy.

The tribute reflected the NCP’s recognition of Khaleda Zia’s political influence and her role as a symbol of resilience in Bangladesh’s democratic movement.

Three advisers of the interim government signed a condolence book expressing grief over the death of former three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The signing took place on Tuesday night at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka, where BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also present.

The advisers who signed the condolence book were Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman. Their attendance marked an official expression of sympathy from the interim government following Khaleda Zia’s passing.

The event reflected the government’s acknowledgment of Khaleda Zia’s political legacy and her role as a three-time prime minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued special traffic restrictions ahead of the funeral prayer of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, after Zuhr at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. The DMP announced that diversions will be in effect from 7 a.m. until the funeral ends to ensure smooth traffic management and public safety.

According to a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, several key roads and crossings, including Farmgate, Bijoy Sarani, Indira Road, and Ganabhaban crossings, will remain closed or restricted. Motorists have been advised to avoid Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue and use alternative routes such as the Moghbazar flyover and Mahakhali bus terminal roads. Parking for city vehicles will be available at the old trade fair ground, while visitors from outside Dhaka may park in designated areas including Motijheel, Shahbagh, Uttara, and Purbachal.

The DMP urged residents to cooperate fully with the temporary measures to facilitate the large public gathering expected at the funeral.

Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq will represent his country at the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. The confirmation came from Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who announced on social media platform X on Tuesday night that Sadiq would arrive in Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the funeral.

Earlier, the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka had stated that Ishaq Dar himself would travel to Bangladesh for the funeral. The commission’s press counsellor, Md. Fasih Ullah Khan, had also confirmed that Dar would arrive on Wednesday. However, the plan was later revised, and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was designated to represent Pakistan at the event.

The change in Pakistan’s representation underscores the country’s official acknowledgment of Khaleda Zia’s political stature. The funeral is also expected to be attended by foreign dignitaries, including the foreign ministers of Nepal and Sri Lanka, according to the source.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma and Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka to pay their last respects to former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Multiple officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed their participation in the funeral ceremony.

According to the ministry, the funeral prayer for Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday after the Zuhr prayer at 2 p.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and the adjoining Manik Mia Avenue. Following the prayer, her burial will take place. The attendance of foreign dignitaries underscores regional acknowledgment of her political legacy.

The ministry’s confirmation of high-level foreign participation highlights the diplomatic significance of the event, as neighboring countries send representatives to honor the late leader.

The Ministry of Public Administration has declared Wednesday, December 31, a one-day public holiday across Bangladesh following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The announcement, issued Tuesday and signed by Assistant Secretary A.B.M. Abu Bakar Siddique, states that all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and private offices will remain closed during the holiday.

According to the official notification, essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, port operations, sanitation, telephone and internet, postal services, and related transport and personnel will remain outside the purview of the holiday. Hospitals, emergency services, doctors, and medical staff, as well as vehicles carrying medicines and medical supplies, are also exempted. Offices engaged in urgent work will remain open.

The circular further notes that Bangladesh Bank and the Supreme Court will issue separate instructions regarding banking and court operations for the day.

The interim government of Bangladesh has declared three days of state mourning following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. As a result, the inauguration ceremony of the 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair has been rescheduled. The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) announced the change in a press release signed by Deputy Director Md. Rafiqul Islam on Tuesday evening.

According to the EPB statement, the government decided to observe national mourning from Wednesday to Friday, corresponding to December 31, January 1, and January 2. Consequently, the trade fair’s opening, originally planned for January 1, will now take place on Saturday, January 3. The announcement followed an address to the nation by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus earlier on Tuesday morning, in which he declared the mourning period.

Foreign dignitaries, including the Speaker of Pakistan’s Parliament and the foreign ministers of Nepal and Sri Lanka, are expected to visit Dhaka to pay their respects to Khaleda Zia.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s death has drawn widespread condolences from world leaders, foreign governments, and international organizations. On Tuesday, December 30, the United States, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, Australia, the European Union, the United Nations, and BIMSTEC all issued messages of sympathy and solidarity with Bangladesh.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka acknowledged Zia’s role in shaping modern Bangladesh, while Russia recalled her efforts to maintain friendly ties. China’s ambassador praised her leadership and pledged continued friendship with the BNP. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered her as Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and a key figure in India-Bangladesh relations. Pakistan’s leaders described her as a lifelong friend of their country, and European and Asian envoys highlighted her contributions to bilateral cooperation and national development.

The UN and regional body BIMSTEC reaffirmed their solidarity with Bangladesh during this period of mourning. Several foreign dignitaries, including ministers from Nepal and Sri Lanka, are expected to visit Dhaka to pay their respects.

Shafiqul Islam, known as a participant in the July phase of the 2024 student and public uprising in Bangladesh, has passed away after being under medical treatment for about one and a half years. He had been shot during the uprising and succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. The news of his death was shared by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir president Nurul Islam Saddam through a verified Facebook post on Tuesday night.

According to the post, Shafiqul Islam, who was injured in Haluaghat during the 2024 uprising, had been receiving treatment for his gunshot wounds for nearly eighteen months. Saddam expressed prayers for him, referring to him as a martyr. The report did not provide further details about the circumstances of his injury or the location of his death.

The passing of Shafiqul Islam marks another casualty linked to the 2024 student and public movement, which saw widespread participation and incidents of violence across parts of Bangladesh.

Preparations for the burial of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia reached their final stage on Tuesday evening, December 30, 2025. Grave digging began at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, former President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, following her funeral prayer on Wednesday.

Crowds of party leaders, activists, and members of the public gathered at the site from the afternoon. Workers carefully prepared the designated area for the burial, while the BNP announced that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth and orderly process. Law enforcement agencies also strengthened security in the area.

Earlier that morning, at 6 a.m., Khaleda Zia passed away while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at the age of 80. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and various political parties and leaders expressed deep sorrow over her death.