Dhaka, Dec 30 (V7N)- West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee has expressed deep sorrow over the death of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Mamata Banerjee conveyed her condolences in a post on social media on Tuesday (December 30). Writing in both Bengali and English, she said, “I am saddened by the passing away of Begum Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and one of the leading figures of the people. I extend my condolences to her bereaved family, friends and her political colleagues.”

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was 80 years old at the time of her death.

According to party sources, Khaleda Zia’s funeral will be held tomorrow, Wednesday (December 31), at 2:00 pm after Zohr prayers at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban grounds and Manik Mia Avenue. She will be laid to rest with state honors beside the grave of her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman.

Meanwhile, the interim government has declared three days of state mourning following her death. In addition, a one-day general holiday has been announced for Wednesday in her honor.

END/SMA/AJ