DHAKA: President M Abdul Hamid left Dhaka for joining the funeral Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid leader of South Africa, scheduled to be held on December 15.

The President departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a special flight at 4:15pm on Monday.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh observed a three-day state mourning from Saturday to pay tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela, who passed away on Thursday night.

The national flag was flied at half-mast during the next three days at government, semi-government and autonomous organizations, educational institutions, private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad.

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of Opposition Khaleda Zia, in separate messages, expressed profound shock at the death and conveyed sympathies to the bereaved family members of Mandela.

BDST: 1920 HRS, DEC 09, 2013