Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, has died. She was 96. Elizabeth spent more than seven decades on the throne as the U.K. rebuilt from war, lost an empire, transformed its economy and both entered and left the European Union. She was a constant presence, the only monarch most Britons have ever known, and she guided the institution of the monarchy through choppy waters. She likely met more people than anyone in history, and her image, which adorned stamps, coins and bank notes, was among the most reproduced in the world. But her inner life and opinions remained largely an enigma. The impact of her loss will be huge, and unpredictable. With Elizabeth’s death, her son Charles becomes Britain’s new king. British Prime Minister Liz Truss says the country is “devastated” by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, calling her “the rock on which modern Britain was built.” Truss said the news is “a huge shock to the nation and to the world” but that the queen’s spirit will endure. Truss was appointed by the queen just two days ago, becoming the 15th prime minister to serve during Elizabeth’s reign. The Union Jack flag atop the prime minister’s 10 Downing Street residence was lowered to half-staff after the monarch’s death was announced.  Read: Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life and reign  

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have greeted British Queen Elizabeth II on her 95th birthday which falls on the second Saturday in June.  In separate messages sent on June 12, both the President and the Prime Minister wished her good health, happiness, and long life, and the continued peace, progress and prosperity to the friendly people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, said the Bangladesh High Commission in London. President Hamid, in his message, said: “I take this opportunity to renew my pledge to work closely with Your Majesty to further strengthen and broaden the existing bonds of friendship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom particularly as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our diplomatic relations through 2021-22.”  READ: Another cyclone coming, alerts PM Hasina Prime Minister Hasina, in her message, said: “On this momentous occasion, I pay a special tribute to Your Majesty for the exemplary grace, duty, and service with which you have served your nation and the Commonwealth for the past seven decades. As the longest-serving Monarch of the world, you continue to inspire us and remain a symbol of unity and solidarity, especially as the Head of our Commonwealth family. Like always, the people of Bangladesh continue to hold Your Majesty in their hearts with the highest of affection and admiration.” READ: PM Hasina greets Assam’s new CM Dr Sarma