BNP announces two-day programme to mark Independence Day

The ruling party says the observance wil begin on Mar 25 with a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, and continue the next day with tributes and prayers

The BNP has announced a two-day programme to mark Independence and National Day.

The programme includes flag hoisting at party offices across the country, tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, wreath-laying at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and a discussion meeting in Dhaka.

According to the ruling party, national and party flags will be hoisted at dawn on Mar 26 at the BNP’s central office and other party offices across the country.

After the president and prime minister pay tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, BNP leaders will place wreaths there on behalf of the party.

Party leaders and activists from all levels will then go from the memorial to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to lay wreaths at the graves of former president and party founder Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

A prayer service will also be held there at the initiative of the Jatiotabadi Ulama Dal.

The day before, on Mar 25 at 2:30pm, the BNP will hold a seminar at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium in Ramna.

Speaking about the programme, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Independence and National Day marks one of Bangladesh's most important achievements, giving the country a distinct identity on the world map and before the international community.

Rizvi added that the day carried deep significance because it reflected a long history of struggle, war and bloodshed through which the country’s independence had emerged.

Referring to Ziaur Rahman, he said the then major had given direction to the nation through the declaration of independence, and that students, workers, farmers and ordinary people had then joined the Liberation War in unity.

The war inspired people around the world and the sacrifices of the freedom fighters remains a lasting example, according to him.

Rizvi noted that the BNP had already published a poster marking Independence Day and would also bring out special supplements in several national dailies on Mar 26.

He added that, alongside the central programme, BNP units in districts and municipalities would organise discussion meetings and other events to mark the day, while affiliated and associate bodies would also take their own initiatives.

He called on leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations to make the programmes a success.