Dhaka: The 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President of Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman, will be observed tomorrow, marking a significant day for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the nation. Ziaur Rahman, who was a proclaimer of independence, a sector commander during the Liberation War, and the founder of BNP, was killed on May 30, 1981, at the Chattogram Circuit House by a faction of disgruntled army officers in what is described as part of a domestic and foreign conspiracy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BNP has announced an eight-day special programme from May 25 to June 1 to honor Ziaur Rahman’s legacy and contributions. The commemorations include the publication of special posters across the country, with party leaders and activists wearing black badges during this period. Special supplements will also be featured in various newspapers and online portals, highlighting his achievements and the impact of his leadership.
On May 30, which is tomorrow, at 6:00 am, party flags will be lowered to half-mast and black flags will be raised at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan and across party offices nationwide. At 11:00 am, under the leadership of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, national leaders, alongside party members from all levels, will pay their respects by placing wreaths and offering prayers at Ziaur Rahman’s grave. A Doa mahfil organized by the Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal will follow the visit.
The occasion will also witness the distribution of food items, including rice and lentils, and clothing to the underprivileged across various thana areas in Dhaka and throughout the country. Similar observances will take place at 6:00 am across all districts, metropolitan areas, and other regions, where flags will be lowered to half-mast, and black flags will be hoisted.
A discussion meeting organized by BNP is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, at 2:00 pm at the auditorium of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Ramna, Dhaka. The event will further reflect on Ziaur Rahman’s role as a proclaimer of independence, his leadership as a sector commander of the Liberation War, and his establishment of BNP, which has grown into a major political force in Bangladesh.
Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy in Bangladesh and is recognized as a pioneer in this field. He is also acknowledged for his role in founding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and for establishing a political philosophy based on nationalism. Under his leadership, BNP has become one of the dominant political entities in the country, securing a majority in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and forming the government, with Tarique Rahman currently serving as the Prime Minister.
The martyrdom anniversary is not only observed by BNP and its associate organizations but also commemorated by people from different walks of life, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to the nation.