Half-day mourning on Thursday; Speaker to visit Doha

Bangladesh will observe a half-day state mourning on বৃহস্পতিবার (July 16) following the death of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir signed the condolence book at the Embassy of Qatar in Gulshan on Monday on behalf of the Bangladesh government. Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir was present.

In the condolence message, the adviser expressed deep shock over the death of Sheikh Hamad and conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the Government, Royal Family and people of Qatar on behalf of the Government and people of Bangladesh.

He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to its long-standing, close and brotherly ties with Qatar.

The government will observe a half-day state mourning on July 16 in honour of the late former Emir.

A parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker will also travel to Doha to convey Bangladesh’s condolences and solidarity with the Emir, the Royal Family and the people of Qatar.

The office of the Emir of Qatar announced Sheikh Hamad’s death on Sunday. He was 74.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he abdicated in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir.