Different socio-political organisations chalked out various programmes to mark the day.
On May 16 in 1976, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani led a massive long march from Rajshahi towards India's Farakka barrage, demanding demolition of the barrage constructed by the Indian government to divert flow of Ganges water inside its territory.
Thousands of people participated in the long march and staged demonstrations protesting the construction of the barrage.
Read also: Govt ‘abusing’ Digital Security Act to hide facts: BNP
The Farakka Barrage over the Ganges in the Indian state of West Bengal is roughly 16.5 kilometres (10.3 miles) from the Chapainawabganj border that has had a massive adverse impact on Bangladesh’s ecology since its implementation.
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a message on the occasion showing deep respect for Maulana Bhasani.