Sylhet, Dec 31 (V7N) — Various political, social, and cultural groups in Sylhet have expressed profound sorrow following the death of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

The Sylhet district and metropolitan BNP have declared a seven-day mourning period. As part of the program, a condolence book was officially opened at the BNP office in Topkhana area on Tuesday at 3:00 pm. The signing of the condolence book will continue daily from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm for the next seven days. Black flags have been hoisted, and party members have worn black badges in remembrance.

Sylhet district BNP President Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, acting metropolitan BNP President Rezaul Hasan Qoyes Lodi, district BNP General Secretary Advocate Emran Ahmad Chowdhury, and metropolitan BNP General Secretary Md Imdad Hossain Chowdhury urged all leaders, activists, and citizens to participate in the mourning programs.

Other organizations and leaders expressing grief include Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Sylhet district and metropolitan units, Jatiya Party Sylhet district and metropolitan units, Islamic Unity Alliance Chairman and Nezam-e-Islam Party President Advocate Maulana Abdur Rokib, Khelafat Majlis, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association, Surma Boys Club, metropolitan business associations, and various social and cultural organizations.

In addition, the Sylhet Business Unity Welfare Council will observe a half-day closure of shops on Wednesday, December 31, as part of its mourning activities. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists from Sylhet have already departed for Dhaka to attend the funeral prayers of Begum Khaleda Zia at Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday.

The city of Sylhet is observing the week-long mourning with solidarity, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration for the late leader’s lifelong dedication to democracy and the people of Bangladesh.

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