BNP to observe 45th death anniversary of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will observe the 45th death anniversary of its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman with a series of nationwide programmes on Saturday.

Ziaur Rahman, who founded the BNP in 1978, was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981.

The party has announced an eight-day programme beginning May 25 and continuing until June 1 to mark the occasion with due respect.

Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan on Friday, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the party is fully prepared to observe the day with reverence.

He said party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at BNP central and other offices across the country from 6am on Saturday.

As part of the programmes, party leaders and activists will place wreaths and offer Fateha at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11am.

Rizvi said BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will lead the programme and also participate in food and clothing distribution among the poor at multiple locations in Dhaka.

According to BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan, Tarique Rahman will attend distribution programmes at 16 locations across the capital as chief guest.

He added that senior BNP leaders, MPs, and party activists will also participate in the events, while relief distribution programmes will be held in several parts of Dhaka, including Manik Mia Avenue and Karwan Bazar.

Separate doa and milad mahfils, discussion meetings, and photo exhibitions will also be organised nationwide to highlight Ziaur Rahman’s life and political legacy.

The BNP will also hold a central discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh on May 31 as part of the observance.