The government on Friday announced a three-day national mourning from Saturday to pay homage to iconic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela of South Africa. “The government has announced a three-day national mourning starting from Saturday in memory of Nelson Mandela,” Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan told UNB over phone. The national flag will be kept at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous bodies during the period. Nelson Mandela, who became one of the world’s most beloved statesmen and a colossus of the 20th century when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa, died late Thursday (South Africa time) at the age of 95. South African President Jacob Zuma made the announcement at a news conference, saying “We’ve lost our greatest son.”
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Begum Khaleda Zia have deeply condoled the death of South African leader Nelson Mandela
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday expressed profound shock at the demise of South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest men of times. “It’s with profound grief and sadness that we have learnt of the demise of one of the greatest men of our times, Nelson R Mandela… in his demise, Bangladesh has lost a true and great friend,” she said in a condolence message to South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma. “A passionate and ardent promoter of human rights, democracy and collective good, he was fierce in struggle for justice for the oppressed and yet so forgiving at its attainment,” the Prime Minister said in her message. “President Mandela presided over the peaceful and democratic transition of his country which has set a high standard for all to follow in the times to come.” Hasina said Nelson Mandala dedicated his entire life for peace, social justice and democracy in his own country and around the world. “The influential organizations that he helped create in later life will continue to inspire our imagination in difficulty and despair.” She said the people of Bangladesh maintain an unending reservoir of love and esteem for him. “Legends surrounding his personality and life have inspired the realm of creative and democratic minds in Bangladesh for a generation or more.” “Let me recall with great fondness and respect his memorable visit to Bangladesh to join the celebration of Bangladesh’s Silver Jubilee of Independence in March 1997. That landmark visit laid the foundation of cordial relations between our two friendly nations.” The Prime Minister extended her deepest condolences to South African President (Jacob Zuma) and the people of South Africa through him, and to members of the bereaved family on behalf of the people of Bangladesh. “The People of Bangladesh stand by the people of South Africa with their sincerest prayers at this difficult juncture,” she said. – UNB
