Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) today announced an eight-day programme from May 25 to June 1 marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the party’s founder, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the announcement at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a joint meeting was held at the BNP central office to plan for the anniversary. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi presided over the meeting, attended by BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, along with leaders of the executive committee and affiliated organisations. The programme includes publishing posters, wearing black badges, and releasing supplements in newspapers and online portals, as well as discussions initiated by BNP’s front and associate organisations.
A significant event will take place on May 31 at the auditorium of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, in Ramna, where a discussion is scheduled. On May 30, the party will lower its flag to half-mast and hoist black flags at the central office at 6am. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with national leaders and activists, will pay respects at the mausoleum of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, followed by a prayer gathering organised by the Jatiyatabadi Ulama Dal.
In addition to these ceremonies, BNP plans to distribute clothes, rice, lentils, and other food items to underprivileged people at every police station under Dhaka Metropolitan North and South. Local units will also lower flags to half-mast, hold discussions, and arrange prayer gatherings and food distribution in their respective areas.
Rizvi highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s role during a critical period in Bangladesh’s political landscape. He emphasised Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to democracy, stating that before him, democracy had been stifled, and the country was in turmoil. Rizvi credited Ziaur Rahman with restoring peace, rule of law, and multi-party democracy, allowing political parties to resume activities freely.
Rizvi instructed party members to ensure that their programmes do not cause public inconvenience. He advised against holding meetings at street corners and recommended using open fields or auditoriums for such gatherings.