Bangladesh, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a deep sense of respect for global leaders, has a longstanding tradition of declaring state mourning to honor the passing of influential figures across the globe.
Following the demise of Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Saturday, Bangladesh is observing a state mourning on Monday.
During state mourning, the national flag flies at half-mast on all government buildings and diplomatic missions.
Entertainment programs on state-owned media are often suspended or muted, replaced by solemn music and documentaries. Government officials may wear black armbands, and official visits and celebrations are postponed.
This collective expression of grief allows the nation to share in the loss and pay their respects to the departed leader.
The decision to declare state mourning is not automatic. It is guided by several factors, including the stature of the deceased leader, the nature of the relationship between Bangladesh and their country, and the potential impact on the Bangladeshi people.
The length of the mourning period also varies, ranging from the three-day observance for Queen Elizabeth to the two-day period for Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Here is a list of world leaders whose deaths prompted a state mourning in Bangladesh:
Death of Queen Elizabeth
From September 9-11, 2022, Bangladesh observed a period of state mourning in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Japan’s former PM Shinzo Abe
Bangladesh paid its respects to Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe on July 9, 2022, by declaring a state mourning.
UAE President Sheikh Al Nahyan
On May 14, 2022, Bangladesh observed a state mourning to honor the passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee
On September 2, 2020, Bangladesh mourned the loss of former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee, emphasizing the historical and cultural bonds between the two neighboring nations.
Bahrain PM Sheikh Al Khalifa
Bangladesh expressed its condolences for the death of Bahrain’s prime minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa on November 17, 2020, through a period of state mourning.
Kuwait Emir Sheikh Al-Sabah
Bangladesh declared state mourning on October 1, 2020, following the demise of Kuwait’s emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah.
Omani Sultan Qaboos bin Said
Bangladesh paid tribute to the late Omani Sultan Qaboos bin Said on January 13, 2020, by declaring a period of state mourning.
Saudi king
Following the passing of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud on January 24, 2015, Bangladesh declared a state mourning, expressing condolences to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Nelson Mandela
On December 8-9, 2013, Bangladesh mourned the loss of Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid leader and former President of South Africa. This period of state mourning demonstrated Bangladesh’s solidarity with the global community in honoring Mandela’s legacy of resilience and equality.