The prime minister of Bangladesh paid tribute to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat Thursday, praising his "unwavering commitment in the face of oppression", the official news agency BSS said. "His demise is a great loss to humankind," Khaleda Zia said in a message to parliament speaker Rawhi Fattuh who is to serve as caretaker leader of the Palestinian Authority for 60 days before fresh elections.
"Arafat's unwavering commitment in the face of force, intimidation and oppression came to symbolise the aspirations of the Palestinian people," Zia said.
In a separate message, Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed described Arafat as the "most respected leader of his people (who) mobilised their long struggle for statehood".
Arafat is due to be buried in Cairo on Friday.
The Bangladeshi president would travel to Cairo later Thursday to attend the funeral, the private UNB agency added.
The Bangladeshi government has also announced three days of national mourning from Saturday for the Palestinian leader, the agency said.
The Bangladeshi national flag would be flown at half-mast at all government offices, institutions, and Bangladeshi missions abroad.
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