United News of Bangladesh

The BNP is observing the 45th death anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman today. The party and its associate bodies chalked out an eight-day programme to observe the death anniversary nationwide with due respect. The programmes began on May 25 and will continue until June 1. Ziaur Rahman, who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978, was assassinated by a group of disgruntled Army officers at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981. Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin issued a message on the occasion of the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, paying his deepest respect to his immortal memory. “On this solemn day, I respectfully and gratefully remember the outstanding contributions of this heroic commander of the Liberation War, proclaimer of independence, pioneer of multi-party democracy, architect of modern Bangladesh, and visionary statesman,” he said. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman remains an unforgettable name in the history of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and democratic progress, Shahabuddin said. The President expressed his belief that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s simple and selfless life, strong personality, unquestionable honesty, and image as a pragmatic and energetic statesman will remain forever alive in the hearts of the people. “I hope that his active life, profound love for the country, firm stance against corruption, commitment to justice and fairness, vision of self-reliant development, and ideals will continue to inspire future generations.” As part of the programmes, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will lead party leaders and activists in offering Fateha and placing wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11:00am. Party flag was kept at half-mast and black flag was hoisted at the BNP central office and other party offices across the country at 6:00am. Different associate bodies and professional groups of the party took various programmes, including discussions and photo exhibitions highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s life and works. BNP units across the country are observing the day with different programmes in memory of the party founder. The Prime Minister will distribute clothes and dry food items among poor people at 16 spots in Dhaka after visiting the grave. He is expected to distribute food among destitute people in front of the Nayapaltan central office in the afternoon as part of programmes to be organised by five associate bodies and one affiliated organisation. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB that Tarique Rahman is set to attend all the food and clothes distribution programmes at 16 spots. He said the Prime Minister will begin distributing food items and clothes among poor and destitute people at 11:30am in front of Rajdhani High School on Manik Mia Avenue. Milad and doa mahfils are also being arranged in observance of the day. BNP leaders and activists have been wearing black badges as part of the eight-day programme. Special supplements have also been published in national newspapers, marking the anniversary. Besides, Sayrul said, BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan will distribute relief items among poor people in front of FDC at Karwan Bazar at 11:20am. BNP will arrange a discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium at 2:00pm on May 31 in observance of the death anniversary of its founder.