Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, July 15, 2026 (BSS) - As part of the state mourning declared by the 
Bangladesh government for the death of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin 
Khalifa Al Thani, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR), observed a state 
mourning on Wednesday. 
 
The national flag was flown at half-mast on the university campus in line 
with the state programme, a press release said this evening. 
 
In addition, after Zohr, a special prayer meeting was organised at the 
university's central mosque to express condolences to the deceased's soul and 
his bereaved family. 
 
Vice-chancellor (VC) of the university Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali attended 
the prayer meeting conducted by the Khatib of the central mosque Dr Rakib 
Uddin Ahmed. 
 
At that time, the university's Registrar (Additional Duty) Prof Dr Md Ferdous 
Rahman, along with teachers, officials and employees were present. 
 
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, one of the architects of modern Qatar and 
a true ally of Bangladesh and Bangladeshi expatriates, passed away on July 
12, 2026 at the age of 74, the release added.