Bangladesh is observing state mourning today over the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, claiming so far 15,000 lives, reports BSS.

A gazette notification was issued on Wednesday, saying, "The government decided that one-day state mourning will be observed in Bangladesh on Thursday (February 9, 2023) at the deaths of Turkish and Syrian citizens in the recent earthquake".

In observance of the mourning day, the national flag is kept at half-mast at buildings of all government, semi-government and autonomous bodies, and educational institutions along with all government and private buildings, and Bangladesh missions abroad.

Special prayers are set to be offered at all religious institutions across the country, seeking eternal peace for the departed souls.