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.

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would support another major strike on Iran if the country resumes its nuclear weapons development. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida after meeting Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said he believes Iran has been trying to restart its weapons program since the US attack in June.

At a press conference, Trump stated that he had heard Iran was producing nuclear weapons and other materials, and warned that any renewed activity would lead to strikes on different facilities than those previously destroyed. He cautioned Iran to halt its nuclear ambitions, noting that US B-2 bombers require a 37-hour journey for such missions, which he said the US does not wish to repeat.

The report added that the US administration is currently engaged in discussions with Tehran over a possible nuclear agreement, while Iran has conducted two missile tests earlier this month.

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.

Analysts are closely watching how the Middle East’s geopolitical and security landscape will evolve in 2026. The region faces multiple flashpoints, including a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, renewed fears of Israeli military operations in Gaza, challenges confronting Syria’s post-Assad government, and intensifying competition between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over influence in Sudan and Yemen.

The Israel-Iran truce, brokered by the United States after a 12-day war in June 2025, remains unstable amid concerns over Iran’s missile drills and Israeli pressure for renewed strikes. In Gaza, Israel has violated the October ceasefire more than 730 times, killing over 400 Palestinians, raising doubts about the durability of peace efforts. Meanwhile, Syria’s new government under President Ahmed al-Sharar faces internal and external threats, with its stability depending on Gulf, Turkish, and European support.

Analysts also highlight growing Saudi-UAE rivalry, with both backing opposing factions in Sudan and Yemen. This competition could deepen rifts between the two Gulf powers despite U.S. efforts to mediate. The overall regional outlook remains uncertain as multiple conflicts threaten to reshape alliances and power balances.

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.

Yemen’s Houthi movement has issued a strong warning to Israel following its recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. On December 26, Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, a self-declared republic that separated from Somalia in 1991. The move drew sharp condemnation from Somalia and several Muslim-majority nations, as well as statements from the European Union, African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League.

Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi declared that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be treated as a military target, describing it as aggression against Somalia and Yemen and a threat to regional security. He warned that the consequences of Israel’s decision would be serious, calling it a hostile act toward Somalia, Yemen, and countries along both shores of the Red Sea.

Somaliland, strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, has long sought international recognition and maintains its own currency, passport, and armed forces.

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.