DHAKA- Bangladesh today observed state mourning for the victims of Monday’s US-Bangla aircraft crash in Nepal that left 49 people dead. Different government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices across the country marked the state mourning by keeping the national flag at half-mast.As part of the programme, people of different institutions wore black badges today while special prayers will be offered tomorrow at all places of worship, including mosques, temples, churches and pagodas, seeking eternal peace and salvation of the departed souls of those killed in the crash. On Wednesday, a high-powered emergency meeting, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair, took the decision to observe the “One-day State Mourning” for the plane crash victims. Officials said 26 Bangladeshis, 21 Nepalese, one Chinese and another Maldivian — were killed in the air crash at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) today brought out a mourning procession from its office premises on the occasion as their fellow journalist colleague Ahmed Faisal of Boishakhi Television was killed in the tragic crash. Wearing black badges, the journalists took part in the procession led by its President Saiful Islam and general secretary Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo. They also observed a one-minute silence showing respect to the plane crash victims.The national flag was kept at half-mast at Dhaka University, including its administrative building and Vice-Chancellor’s residence on the occasion. DU authority will arrange special prayers at mosques and other places of worship on the campus seeking eternal peace and salvation of the departed souls tomorrow.BSS
