Chattogram: The BNP and its affiliated organizations in Chattogram city and the north and south district units are gearing up to observe the 45th death anniversary of the party’s founder, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. A series of elaborate programs have been planned to mark the occasion.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the central BNP has directed a three-day commemoration starting from May 29 until June 1 to honor Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in Chattogram on May 30, 1981. Shoukat Azam Khawza, City BNP Senior Joint Convenor, stated that national and party flags will be at half-mast, and black flags will be hoisted at all BNP offices, including the city headquarters at Nasimon Bhaban, starting from 6:00 am on May 30.
The observance will extend to ward, union, thana, and municipality-level party offices across the district. BNP leaders, activists, and members of affiliated bodies will lay wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave in Rangunia at 10:00 am and later at Biplob Udyan in the city’s No. 2 Gate area at 12:00 pm on the same day. City BNP General Secretary Nazimur Rahman announced that party leaders will offer prayers at the grave and participate in a doa and milad mahfil seeking eternal peace for Ziaur Rahman.
Senior BNP leaders, including City BNP President Ershadullah, MP, and Abu Sufian, MP, are expected to partake in the programs. An inter-school Gold Cup football tournament has also been organized in Chattogram to commemorate the event. A discussion meeting in memory of Ziaur Rahman will be held on June 1 at the city BNP office at Nasimon Bhaban.
Additional activities include discussion meetings, special prayers at mosques, and the distribution of rice, lentils, and clothes among underprivileged people in different wards of Chattogram City Corporation and various upazilas. Chattogram City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain has initiated the distribution of relief materials, including rice, lentils, and clothes, among poor families on May 30, as stated by city BNP office secretary Idris Ali.
Chattogram South District BNP Convener Idris Mia mentioned that upazila and municipality units will also observe the day with discussion meetings, doa mahfils, and humanitarian assistance programs. Special supplements in national newspapers will be published to mark the anniversary.
The Chattogram District Administration has planned a discussion meeting and doa mahfil at the Circuit House Conference Room for the commemoration. The Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram will host another discussion meeting and doa mahfil, with Chattogram City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain as the chief guest, and Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah as special guests.
The city unit of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal has announced a two-day program, including food distribution among the poor at city police stations on May 30 and special prayers at religious sites. On May 31, cleanliness drives and tree plantation activities will occur across different city wards.
City units of Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal have also scheduled separate programs for the anniversary. Bangladesh Television (BTV) Chattogram Centre has organized a daylong special broadcast, including a documentary titled “Swadhinatar Ghoshak Zia” and a discussion program “Mrityunjoyee Swadhinatar Ghoshak,” featuring State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin and senior journalist Shah Newaz.
BTV Chattogram sources reported that additional programs include a poetry recitation and musical event titled “Kamal to Shaheed Zia” and a special magazine program “Amra Kamal Kudi.” A special graphic video featuring notable quotes of Ziaur Rahman will be broadcast throughout the day.
Md Imam Hossain, General Manager of BTV Chattogram Centre, emphasized that the channel has crafted a comprehensive program to present Ziaur Rahman’s life, leadership, and contributions to audiences, particularly the younger generation. Ziaur Rahman, who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978, was assassinated by a group of army officers at the Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981.