Dhaka, Dec. 30 -- The interim government has declared three days of state mourning following the death of former prime minister and BNP chief Khaleda Zia.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification announcing the mourning period from Wednesday to Friday, following a special meeting of the government's Advisory Council.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus formally announced the decision in an address to the nation at midday, reports bdnews24.com.

According to the gazette, the government said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of Khaleda Zia, who served as prime minister three times and led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for more than four decades.

As part of the state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-...