Black flags rise as nation mourns Khaleda Zia with prayers and tributes

A wave of grief sweeps across Bangladesh, with activists wearing black badges of grief and party office hoisting black flags at half mast

Bangladesh awoke to mourning as news of BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s death spread across towns and districts, drawing people into prayer gatherings, Quran recitations and remembrance meetings.

Alongside official state mourning, ordinary citizens joined party activists in paying tribute to one of the country’s most enduring political figures.

The government declared three days of state mourning and her party announced a seven-day observance.

Khaleda had been suffering from multiple long-term and complex health conditions, including liver and kidney complications, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and infection-related illnesses.

She had been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara since Nov 23. After 40 days of treatment, doctors declared her dead around 6am on Tuesday.

CHANDPUR GRIPPED BY GRIEF

As the news of her passing spread in Chandpur, a sombre atmosphere descended across the district.

People from all walks of life were seen sharing memories, expressing grief and paying their respects, with no sign of political tension.

At the Chandpur district BNP office, activists mourned by wearing black badges and hoisting black flags.

Across the district, Quran recitations, prayer gatherings and the signing of condolence books are held, with people from different political, social and professional backgrounds recalling Khaleda’s life and legacy.

PIROJPUR HOLDS PRAYER MEETS

In Pirojpur, BNP activists are deeply shaken by the death of their party chairperson. Prayer gatherings have been organised for her soul.

The district BNP and its affiliated organisations hoisted black flags at party offices, wore black badges and arranged condolence books as part of their mourning.

RAJBARI MOURNS KHALEDA

In Rajbari, grief spread among BNP activists following the former prime minister’s death.

Around 11am on Tuesday, the national flag, black flag and party flag were hoisted at half-mast at the district BNP office, after which activists wore black badges.

PRAYER GATHERINGS IN NAOGAON

In Naogaon, BNP activists gathered from the morning at the party’s district office at KD Mor of the town.

The district unit of the Jubo Dal organised Quran recitations and prayers as part of the mourning observance.

THAKURGAON FALLS SILENT

The news of Khaleda’s death plunged Thakurgaon in deep mourning.

Black banners were hung at BNP offices at the district and Upazila levels, while activists wore black badges to express their grief.

CONDOLENCE BOOK OPENED IN SHERPUR

In Sherpur, BNP activists and people from different sections of society expressed sorrow at the death of the former prime minister.

At the district BNP office, party and black flags were hoisted, black badges were worn, and a condolence book was opened for public signatures.

Quran recitations continued at the office as part of the mourning.

KHALEDA LEFT BEHIND LEGACY OF ‘UNCOMPROMISING LEADERSHIP': KAMAL HOSSAIN

Kamal Hossain, emeritus president of the Gono Forum, said Khaleda left behind the legacy of an uncompromising leadership, serving as an example for generations to come.

“With the death of Khaleda Zia, we have lost a patriotic and democratic guardian. She will remain a unique inspiration in the country’s history of democratic struggle,” he wrote in a condolence message.

Kamal entered the alliance led by the BNP to participate in the parliamentary polls held in 2018, under the previous Awami League government.

“The limitless oppression, persecution, and humiliation [Khaleda] faced during the previous government’s tenure were never accepted by the people; rather, she became a living symbol of the people’s aspirations,” Kamal wrote.