All cinemas across Bangladesh to remain closed on state mourning day

All cinemas and cineplexes across the country will remain closed today (December 31) in observance of the state mourning declared following the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

The decision was announced by the Bangladesh Film Exhibitors Association, which also expressed deep sorrow at Khaleda Zia's passing. In a press release issued yesterday (December 30), the association urged all cinema hall and cineplex owners to suspend operations for the entire day as a mark of respect.

The press statement was signed by the association's president Awlad Hossain Uzzal and general secretary Sharafuddin Elahi Samrat.

"The Bangladesh Film Exhibitors Association respectfully requests all cinema hall and cineplex owners to keep their venues closed for the full day on December 31 to observe the state mourning with due dignity," the statement said.

According to the release, Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00am while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital Dhaka. Following her death, the government has declared three days of state mourning and announced December 31 as a one-day state holiday.

Cinema owners have been asked to comply fully with the directive as part of the nationwide observance.