Dhaka: The BNP is set to commemorate its 48th founding anniversary on Tuesday, marking the occasion with an array of planned activities. On September 1, 1978, the late President Ziaur Rahman established the party, laying out a 19-point programme aimed at creating a self-reliant Bangladesh.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the party has outlined a five-day central programme to celebrate the founding anniversary. The events will commence with the hoisting of the party flag at 6:00 am at BNP's Nayapaltan central office, the chairman's office in Gulshan, and various party offices nationwide.
In the morning, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, accompanied by the party's Standing Committee members, will place wreaths and offer Fateha at the graves of party founder Ziaur Rahman and former BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the BNP acting Secretary General, stated that preparations are complete to observe the anniversary with due respect.
Rizvi emphasized that the central programme will begin with tributes at the graves of the party's founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, and Begum Khaleda Zia. The BNP will also host a central discussion, while district, metropolitan, and upazila units will organize separate events.
In addition to discussions, BNP and its associate bodies plan to conduct tree plantation and fish release programmes as part of the celebrations. The party and its affiliated organizations have released posters to mark the anniversary, with special supplements set to be published by various newspapers.
Rizvi noted that BNP's district and metropolitan units, along with affiliated organizations, will observe the day through distinct discussions and other initiatives. In separate messages, Tarique Rahman and Rizvi extended congratulations to the people of Bangladesh, as well as party leaders, activists, and supporters.
BNP was founded by Ziaur Rahman after he formed the Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Dal (Jagdal) and the Jatiyatabadi Front. Officially launched at the Ramna Restaurant in Dhaka on September 1, 1978, the party emerged as several political groups merged into it, including Jagdal, the NAP led by Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia, the United People's Party led by Abdul Halim-Akbar Hossain, the Labour Party led by Abdul Matin, and the Muslim League led by Shah Azizur Rahman. Leadership of BNP transitioned from Ziaur Rahman to Khaleda Zia, and subsequently to Tarique Rahman.