BNP to mark 45th death anniversary of founder Ziaur Rahman on Saturday

The party is conducting an eight-day programme to mark the occasion, which continues until Jun 1

Saturday, May 30, marks the 43rd death anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

The party has been conducting an eight-day programme since Mar 25 to mark the occasion.

At a press conference at the party’s Naya Paltan headquarters on Friday morning, the party's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced Saturday's programme.

He said, "[On Saturday], May 30, our announced eight-day event to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of statesman Ziaur Rahman has begun.

“At 11am, Surah Fateha will be recited and a wreath will be placed at the tomb of martyred president Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar under the leadership of the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman."

"At 6am, the party flag will be lowered and black flags will be hoisted at party offices across the country, including the central office in Naya Paltan. The BNP and its affiliates have released posters on the occasion.

“Different programmes, including discussions on his life's work and picture exhibitions, have been organised by various affiliates and professional organisations.”

“All party units across the country will also hold programmes in memory of the party founder,” he added.

Zia was shot dead by a group of soldiers in Chattogram on May 30, 1981, while he was the president. The BNP observes the day as his “martyrdom day”.

Rizvi, also the prime minister’s political advisor, said: "After the shrine programme, the prime minister will distribute clothes and dry food among the needy at several spots in the north and south of the metropolitan area. I think places have been designated in the north and south of Dhaka city from where the clothes and dry food distribution programme will be held."

"We expect that by 4-5 pm, five organisations and one associate organisation will distribute food among the needy in front of the party office as per the programme schedule Naya Paltan... The prime minister will distribute food among the needy.”

In addition, various organisations will hold memorial and prayer services tomorrow to mark the day, said Rizvi.

Party leaders and workers are wearing black badges during the eight-day programme, which continues until to Jun 1.

A special supplement has been published in a national newspaper for the occasion.