Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a BNP standing committee member and the convener of the party’s National Committee on celebrating the golden jubilee of independence, announced the programmes at a press conference at its chairperson’s Gulshan office.

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As part of the programmes, the party has a plan to hold a grand rally on March 30 at the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.

Mosharraf said their party will celebrate the golden jubilee of independence throughout the year, and they will announce the programmes in every running month for the next month. So, we’re now announcing the programmes for the month of March.”

The programmes include inauguration of golden jubilee programmes on March 1, discussion on hoisting the flag of independence on March 2, discussion on manifesto of the independence on March 3, discussion on March 7, celebration of World Women's Day on March 8, a seminar March 9, essay competition March 10, inauguration of year-long blood donation programme March 13, painting competition March 15, seminar on rule of law and the independence of judiciary March 20, seminar on declaration of independence, Liberation War, ‘Z Force and Bir Uttam Ziaur Rahman’ March 22, cultural heritage fair March 23, seminar on usurpation of power by dictator Ershad by ousting the elected BNP government March 24, discussion on ‘Black Night’ March 25.

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On March 26, the national and party flags will be hoisted atop BNP offices, party leaders will place wreaths at National Memorial in Savar, and late President Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the Independence Day. The party will also arrange blood donation programmes and rallies across the country the same day.

Besides, the party will hold discussions in Chattogram and Bogura on March 27, accord a reception to freedom fighters March 28, rally Suhrawardy Udyan 30 March and book fair and painting exhibition on the Liberation War on March 31.

Mosharraf called upon the people of all walks of life, irrespective of party affiliation, to celebrate the golden jubilee of independence with utmost enthusiasm and seriousness from their respective positions.  “We liberated the country in exchange for a sea of blood in the interest of the people of this country. So, we want to celebrate the golden jubilee of independence all together.”

He also sought cooperation of law enforcement agencies for the security and smooth holding of their programmes. “The same way, we seek the cooperation of the government, so that we can get its full support for celebrating the golden jubilee properly without any hindrance.”

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The BNP leader also urged the government to ensure the ‘permanent release’ of their party chairperson Khaleda Zia on the occasion.