The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced an 8-day programme to observe the 45th death anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programmes at a press conference on Monday afternoon (May 18) after a joint meeting at the party's central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka.
Rizvi said the party has given strict instructions so that no program causes suffering to the public. He said no discussion meeting will be allowed by blocking roads or setting up stages at road intersections.
The programmes will run from May 25 to June 1. He added that there may be changes of one or two days because of Eid, but the main programmes will remain the same.
On May 30 at 6am, party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be raised at BNP offices across the country, including the central office in Naya Paltan.
At 11am on the same day, senior BNP leaders and leaders of affiliated organisations will place wreaths and offer Fateha at the grave of Shaheed Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. A prayer meeting will also be held there by the Nationalist Ulema Party.
The party will also distribute clothes, rice, lentils, and dry food among poor people in all police station areas of Dhaka City North and South.
On May 31 at 2pm, BNP will organise a discussion meeting at the Ramna Institution premises in the capital.
Besides the central programs, BNP units across all districts, metropolitan areas, upazilas, and local units will also observe the day by raising black flags, holding discussion meetings, prayer events, and distributing food to poor people.
Different affiliated organisations of BNP will also arrange separate events. The Ulama Dal will hold discussion meetings, intelligence seminars, and the Muktijoddha Dal will organize seminars on Ziaur Rahman's war strategy. Chhatra Dal will arrange milad mahfils along with writing and painting competitions at educational institutions.
Jubo Dal will organize 10 discussion meetings and publish posters in 10 divisions. Volunteer Dal, Mahila Dal, Krishak Dal, Sramik Dal, and Tanti Dal will also hold various programs, including discussion meetings and poster campaigns.
Speaking about Shaheed Zia's contributions, Rizvi said Ziaur Rahman restored democracy after the formation of Baksal on January 25, 1975. He also said Zia strengthened the country's economy, independence, and sovereignty. Rizvi added that Zia raised the issue of the Farakka Barrage in international forums when Bangladesh's agriculture and rivers were suffering.
Criticizing the previous government, Rizvi said people were misled with promises such as rice at 10 taka per kilogram, jobs for every household and free fertilizer. He claimed that if BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman comes to power, welfare programs like family cards, farmer cards, and health cards will be introduced for the people.
Earlier, BNP Joint Secretary General Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel briefed journalists about the joint meeting. Leaders of the BNP executive committee and affiliated organizations were also present.
