Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to observe the 45th death anniversary of its founder and former President, Ziaur Rahman, on Saturday. The remembrance will be marked by an eight-day programme, initiated on May 25, and will continue until June 1, nationwide.
According to United News of Bangladesh, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced at a press conference held at the party’s Nayapaltan central office that the party is ready to honor the occasion with respect and reverence. On Saturday, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to lead the party leaders and activists in offering Fateha and placing wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11:00 am. Party flags will fly at half-mast, and black flags will be hoisted at the BNP central office and other party offices across the country from 6:00 am.
Rizvi highlighted that various associate bodies and professional groups have arranged discussions and photo exhibitions to commemorate Ziaur Rahman’s life and contributions. Throughout the country, BNP units will engage in different activities to remember their founder. Tarique Rahman will also be distributing clothes and dry food items to impoverished individuals in several areas of Dhaka, with distribution planned at various constituencies in Dhaka North and South.
The Prime Minister is anticipated to distribute food among needy people in front of the Nayapaltan central office in the afternoon, in coordination with five associate bodies and one affiliated organization. Additionally, the observance includes milad and doa mahfils, and BNP leaders and activists are wearing black badges. Special supplements have been published in national newspapers to mark the anniversary.
Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP Media Cell, noted that Tarique Rahman will be the chief guest at all 16 food and clothing distribution events across the capital. The Prime Minister will initiate the distribution of food items and clothes at 11:30 am in front of Rajdhani High School on Manik Mia Avenue. Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, a BNP Standing Committee member, will also distribute relief items at Karwan Bazar at 11:20 am.
Rizvi, alongside the Association of Engineers, Bangladesh, will pay tribute at the graves of Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at 10:30 am. Members of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation will pay homage earlier at 10:00 am. Rizvi will continue relief distribution efforts at the High Court Mazar gate area at 11:20 am, facilitated by a programme organized by lawyers.
The BNP will host a discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium on May 31 as part of the observance activities.