Bangladesh has announced three-day national mourning from today to pay homage to South African leader Nelson Mandela, who died at the age of 95 on Friday.
‘Bangladesh will observe three-day national mourning from December 7 to December 9 to show respect to Mandela, an anti-apartheid icon and true friend of Bangladesh,’ said a handout.
During the period, the national flags will be flown at half-mast at all buildings and all Bangladesh missions abroad.
The president, Abdul Hamid, the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the opposition in the parliament, Khaleda Zia, and political parties and sociocultural groups offered condolences on the death by issuing separate statements.
The president termed him Mandela a towering figure and said that the world lost one of its most influential and courageous figures in his death.
‘On behalf of the people of Bangladesh, I offer my condolences to Nelson Mandela’s family and to the people of South Africa,’ he added.
The prime minister said that the example of the great leader would guide all the people fighting for social justice and peace in the world.
‘Many around the world have been influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. He touched our lives deeply in personal ways,’ she said.
The leader of the opposition expressed deep shock at the death of Mandela by sending a letter of condolence to the South African president, Jacob Zuma.
‘I, on my own behalf, and on behalf of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, express to the government and the people of South Africa and the family of President Mandela our heartfelt condolences and sorrow,’ she said.
-With New Age input
