Dhaka, Dec. 31 -- Bangladesh is in mourning following the death of Khaleda Zia, the country's first female prime minister.

A three-day state mourning period began on Wednesday, with the national flag flown at half-mast at all government, autonomous and private institutions, educational establishments, and Bangladesh missions abroad.

Wednesday has also been declared as a public holiday.

As part of the observance, the national flag was flown at half-mast at Chandrakola Harikali Para Government Primary School in Natore Sadar Upazila, said Saddam Hossain, the school's office manager.

He told bdnews24.com the flag was first hoisted to the top of the pole and then lowered to one-fourth of its height.

"At the time of lowering at the end of ...