The government has declared state mourning in Bangladesh on Wednesday following the death of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Tuesday announcing the decision.

Under the directive, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, public and private buildings across the country, as well as at all Bangladeshi missions abroad.

The notification described Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as one of the architects of modern Qatar and a true friend of Bangladesh and its expatriate community. He died on 12 July.

As part of the observance, special prayers will be offered at mosques across the country for the eternal peace of his soul. Similar prayers will also be held at other places of worship.