The government has declared a three-day state mourning from today to Saturday following the death of Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church and head of state of the Vatican City.

During the mourning period, the national flag will be kept at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and educational institutions across the country, as well as all government and private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad.

Special prayers will also be organised seeking peace for the Pope's departed soul.

The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification in this regard yesterday.