Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher and the newly appointed chairmen of several development authorities on Sunday paid tribute to former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia by placing wreaths at their graves.

The minister, accompanied by Rajshahi Development Authority Chairman Md Abul Kalam Azad, Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Lodi, Mymensingh Development Authority Chairman Motahar Hossain Talukdar, Cumilla Development Authority Chairman Udbatul Bari Babu, Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Shamsuzzaman Samu and Narayanganj Development Authority Chairman Mashukul Islam Rajib, offered floral tributes at the graves of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.

A large number of leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its associate bodies were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, six new development authorities have recently been established under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur and Narayanganj Development Authorities.

According to the ministry, the authorities aim to preserve the ecological and environmental balance of their respective regions, prevent unplanned urbanisation, ensure disaster-resilient urban management, promote information technology and tourism, and develop well-planned modern cities with improved civic amenities.