Bangladesh in mourning for 3 days

The government yesterday announced a three-day national mourning beginning today to pay homage to South Africa's anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.
The national flag will be kept at half-mast at all offices of the government, semi-government and autonomous bodies during the period, reports UNB quoting Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan.
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Choudhury, Deputy Speaker Shawkat Ali and Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali expressed their profound shock at the death of South Africa's first black president.
In a message of condolence, President Hamid said, "On behalf of the people of Bangladesh, I extend my condolence to Nelson Mandela's family and to the people of South Africa."
Hasina, in her message, said the example of this great leader will guide all those who fight for social justice and peace in the world.
She prayed for salvation of the departed soul of the great leader and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, reports UNB.
In a condolence message to Jacob Zuma, the president of South Africa, Khaleda said, the world has lost a great statesman, an icon who chose reconciliation over revenge and a global symbol of triumph over adversity.
The Speaker and the deputy speaker in their separate condolence messages said Mandela will be remembered forever for his long struggle for the liberation of the people.
They prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul, reports BSS.
Foreign Minister Ali, in his condolence message, said, "At his [Mandela] demise, the world has lost a great inspirational leadership the legacy of which has influenced many and will continue to do so in the years to come."
Mandela died late Thursday at his Johannesburg home after a long battle against lung infection.