The BNP is observing the 45th death anniversary of its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman on Thursday with nationwide programmes.
The eight‑day observance began 25 May and runs until 1 June. Zia, who founded the party in 1978, was assassinated at Chattogram Circuit House on 30 May 1981.
Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will lead leaders and activists in offering Fateha and placing wreaths at Zia’s grave at Sher‑e‑Bangla Nagar at 11am. Party flags were kept at half‑mast and black flags hoisted at offices across the country from 6am.
Associate bodies and professional groups are holding discussions and photo exhibitions on Zia’s life and work. BNP units nationwide are observing the day with memorial programmes.
After visiting the grave, Tarique will distribute clothes and food among poor people at 16 spots in Dhaka, including in front of the Nayapaltan central office in the afternoon.
BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said the prime minister will attend all distribution programmes, beginning at 11:30am at Rajdhani High School on Manik Mia Avenue.
Milad and doa mahfils are also being arranged. Leaders and activists are wearing black badges, while national newspapers have published special supplements.
BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan will distribute relief at Karwan Bazar at 11:20am. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi will pay tribute at the graves of Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia at 10:30am with Association of Engineers, Bangladesh members, before distributing relief near the High Court Mazar gate.
Members of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation will pay homage at 10am. BNP will also hold a discussion at the Institution of Engineers auditorium on 31 May.
