The government has declared a public holiday on Monday to mourn the demise of former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held on Monday morning at the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar.

Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, who is also the government’s spokesperson, said the government expressed profound sorrow over Dhungana’s passing, extended condolences to his family, and declared a public holiday.

The government also announced that Dhungana will be accorded a state funeral. In addition, all government offices in Nepal and abroad will fly the national flag at half-mast.

Daman Nath Dhungana, the first Speaker after the restoration of democracy in 1990, and a human rights defender who always stood for justice for anti-establishment forces passed away on Sunday. He was 83.

Dhungana, who was suffering from a chronic liver problem, was rushed to the Baneshwar-based Frontline Hospital after he experienced breathing problems on Sunday. Doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival at the hospital.

The late leader’s body will be kept for public tribute at Sano Gaucharan in Gyaneshwar today. Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and other political leaders and the general public are expected to pay their respects.