Dhaka: The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its associated and affiliated bodies have organized an extensive array of programmes to observe the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the party’s founder, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam. These plans have been finalized to ensure the day is marked with deep respect and solemnity, as announced by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi during a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the day’s events will commence with the lowering of party flags to half-mast and the hoisting of black flags at the BNP central office and party offices nationwide at 6:00 am. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to honor the proclaimer of the country’s independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, by placing wreaths at his grave located at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11:00 am.
The BNP’s various units, along with associated and affiliated organizations, professional bodies, and cultural groups, will conduct discussion meetings, milad and doa mahfils, photo exhibitions, and other events to highlight Ziaur Rahman’s life and contributions. Following the prayer ceremony at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Tarique Rahman will engage in distributing clothes and food at different locations across the capital.
In the afternoon, the prime minister is also expected to participate in a food distribution event at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. This event is organized by five associated bodies and one affiliated organization of BNP. As part of a previously announced eight-day programme, BNP leaders and activists are wearing black badges, and special supplements have been published in national newspapers.
BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan stated that the prime minister will initiate the distribution of food and clothing to the needy from the T and T playground at Manik Mia Avenue starting at 11:30 am. Khan added that the premier will participate in events at 16 different locations throughout the capital.
Marking this significant day, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, along with leaders from the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, will pay respects in the morning at the graves of Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Following this, he will take part in a distribution programme of various items for the poor, organized by lawyers near the High Court shrine at 11:00 am.
BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan will join a programme organized by cultural activists in front of the FDC at Karwan Bazar at 11:20 am.