Dhaka: The ruling BNP and its associated and affiliated bodies have outlined an extensive programme to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the party’s founder, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam. The observance aims to honor the late president with due respect and solemnity, as confirmed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi at a press conference held at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the day’s activities 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 starting at 6:00 am tomorrow. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to pay homage to Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of the country’s independence, by laying 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 the life and contributions of Ziaur Rahman. Following the prayers at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Tarique Rahman plans to participate in a clothes and food distribution programme across different locations in the capital.
The prime minister is also scheduled to attend a food distribution event in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office later in the afternoon. This event is being organized by five associated bodies and one affiliated organization of the BNP. As part of the previously announced eight-day observance, BNP leaders and activists are wearing black badges, and special supplements have been published in national newspapers.
BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan informed that the prime minister will initiate the distribution of food items and clothes to the underprivileged from the T and T playground at Manik Mia Avenue starting at 11:30 am. Khan added that the prime minister will also take part in programmes at 16 locations across the capital sequentially.
Ministers, MPs, and leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated bodies are expected to attend these commemorative programmes. To mark the day, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, along with leaders of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, will pay tribute in the morning at the graves of Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Later, Rizvi will join 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 is slated to participate in an event organized by cultural activists in front of the FDC at Karwan Bazar at 11:20 am.