The 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President of Bangladesh, one of the sector commanders of the Liberation War, founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and advocate of multi-party democracy, Ziaur Rahman, is being observed on Saturday with due respect and solemnity.
On May 30, 1981, he was brutally killed at the Chattogram Circuit House by a group of disgruntled army officers as part of a domestic and foreign conspiracy.
To mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, BNP announced an eight-day special programme from May 25 to June 1.
According to the programme, special posters are being published across the country from May 25 to June 1, and party leaders and activists are wearing black badges.
Party flags were hoisted at half-mast and black flags were also kept at the party's Nayapaltan central office and party offices across the country at 6AM.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday said simple and selfless life, strong personality, unquestionable integrity and pragmatic statesmanship of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman would remain eternally alive in the hearts of the people.
Zia’s eventful life, profound patriotism, uncompromising stance against corruption, commitment to justice and fairness, vision of self-reliant Bangladesh and enduring ideals would continue to inspire the younger generation, he added.
After paying tribute, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "On one hand, he reintroduced multiparty democracy and brought the country back from one-party rule and BAKSAL. On the other hand, he introduced a free-market economy. I believe this was the first phase of Bangladesh’s transformation."
"President Ziaur Rahman brought unprecedented changes to the country in one and a half years. Today, under his worthy successor, Tarique Rahman - our prime minister - we have revived those revolutionary programmes once again, we are working on reforms… Our Family Card, Farmer Card, and canal digging programme have already created a stir in Bangladesh."
The party Standing Committee Member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain stated that Ziaur Rahman was a visionary statesman.
According to him, at a time of severe national crisis, Ziaur Rahman assumed responsibility and restored multiparty democracy and freedom of the press in Bangladesh.
The party's various units, associated and affiliated organizations, professional bodies, and cultural organizations will organize discussion meetings, milad and doa mahfils, photo exhibitions, and other programmes highlighting the life and works of Ziaur Rahman across the country.
Ministers, MPs, and leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated bodies will attend these programmes.
