Cadet academy holds freshers' reception on Khaleda Zia's funeral day 

 
BAGHERHAT, Dec 31: Despite the government's declaration of a general holiday and a three-day national mourning on Wednesday following the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, an Islamic cadet academy in Bagherhat reportedly held a freshers' reception and crest distribution ceremony, drawing criticism from locals.
The event took place at the controversial New Basundhara Real Estate Company-run Islamic Adarsha Cadet Academy in Mithapukurpara area of the district town. Critics argued that hosting a celebratory programme on a day of national mourning for the former Prime Minister amounted to blatant disregard for state directives. They also demanded legal action against the institution.
The ceremony was chaired by the academy's Principal Md. Habibur Rahman. Although Assistant Primary Education Officer Bidhan Chandra Roy was listed as the chief guest, he did not attend. Special guests included Hazrat Maulana Md. Shahajan, the Khatib and Imam of the Falpotri Jam-e-Mosque in the district town.
Responding to questions about organising the event on a government-declared holiday, Principal Habibur Rahman said, "This was a pre-scheduled programme, so we went ahead with it. However, we shortened the event at the request of the administration."
Meanwhile, Md. Masum, Officer-in-Charge of Bagherhat Sadar Model Police Station, said, "Upon receiving news of the ceremony, we immediately instructed the academy principal to stop the event."