The 45th martyrdom anniversary of the BNP founder and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, was observed in a befitting manner in all the districts of the country.
BNP chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the anniversary across the country.
Half-mast national and black flags were hoisted atop the party offices in all the district cities and towns on Saturday morning, with black badges worn.
Recitation from the Holy Quraan took place at the Shilpakala Academy auditorium in the towns. Mourning rallies were brought out, which paraded main roads, and discussion meetings were also held.
GOPALGANJ: A discussion meeting, Doa and Milad Mahfil were held in Gopalganj to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
The discussion programme was organised at the District BNP office located in the town's market area.
District BNP Convener Sharif Rafikuzzaman presided over the event while Dr K M Babar, Member of Parliament for the Gopalganj-2 constituency, attended the programme as the chief guest.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr K M Babar said, "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was an unforgettable statesman in the history of Bangladesh. The nation will always remember with respect his courageous role in the great Liberation War, the declaration of independence, and his contribution to rebuilding the country afterwards. He took over the responsibility of running the state at a time when the country was mired in political and economic crisis.
Through his visionary leadership, hard work and patriotism, he steered Bangladesh towards development and self-reliance."
He added, "Ziaur Rahman played a vital role in restoring multi-party democracy, ensuring press freedom, and giving back the political rights of the people. His introduced production-oriented politics, village-based development programmes and nationalist philosophy remain a source of inspiration for the people of the country today."
Dr Babar said, "Shaheed Zia's ideals were patriotism, honesty, self-reliance and empowerment of the people. The current generation must learn from his life's example and dedicate themselves to nation building. Shaheed Zia's contribution to protecting Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and democracy will be written in golden letters in history."
He said, "Today we pray for the forgiveness of his soul and pledge to follow the path he showed to build a prosperous, democratic and developed Bangladesh."
District BNP Member Secretary Advocate Kazi Abul Khayer, Member Advocate Toufiqul Islam, Sadar Upazila BNP President Sikder Shahidul Islam Lenin, General Secretary Fazlul Kabir Dara, District Juba Dal President Riazuddin Lipton, former Chatra Dal general secretary Saiful Islam, Municipality BNP President Sheikh Hasibur Rahman Hasib, members Azizur Rahman Beno and Ziaul Kabir Bipul spoke on the occasion.
Leaders and activists of District BNP and its associate bodies were present.
KHULNA: KCC Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju on Saturday said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman remains a symbol of confidence and trust for the people of Bangladesh.
Praying for the eternal peace of the departed leader, he said Ziaur Rahman had established a political legacy that would continue to inspire welfare-oriented politics for generations.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting and prayer session, which was held on the ground floor of the city corporation building marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
Organised by officers and employees of the Khulna City Corporation (KCC), former KCC mayor and freedom fighter Mohammad Moniruzzaman attended the programme as a special guest and spoke on the life and contributions of Ziaur Rahman.
Principal Mazharul Hannan delivered the keynote address, while Professor Abdul Mannan spoke as a special discussant.
Recalling Ziaur Rahman's visits to Khulna, the KCC administrator said the Shaheed President had encouraged the participation of talented individuals in politics.
He said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and present Prime Minister Tarique Rahman are continuing efforts to build a modern Bangladesh focused on the welfare of the people, and called for united efforts to support the country's progress.
Manju also appreciated the Prime Minister's Eid gifts for sanitation workers, saying the initiative had motivated them to perform an effective role in post-Eid-ul-Azha waste management.
The speakers said that after assuming the presidency in April 1977, Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy, undertook significant economic reforms, promoted agricultural development and pursued an independent foreign policy, contributing to the country's progress.
Chaired by KCC Secretary Md Reza Rashid, the meeting was also addressed by Khulna Press Club General Secretary Md Tarikul Islam, KCC Employees' Union President Ujjwal Kumar Saha and Employees' Union President Abdul Haque, among others.
KCC Administrative Officer Molla Maruf Rashid conducted the programme, while KCC Teachers' Association President Maulana Nasir Uddin Kashemi led the special prayers.
NOAKHALI: A Milad Mahfil and Doa were held at Noakhali University of Science and Technology (NSTU) to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam.
The Milad and Doa took place on Saturday afternoon at NSTU's central mosque. The event was attended by the university's Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Golam Rabbani.
In a brief speech, the Vice-Chancellor said, "Whenever this country has been in distress, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and his family have stepped up to lead the nation. I pray for the forgiveness of the souls of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former successful Prime Minister the late Begum Khaleda Zia, and I wish for the good health of the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman."
Speaking on the occasion were the Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences Professor Dr Muhammad Shafiqul Islam, and the Dean of the Faculty of Education Sciences Professor Dr Md Jahangir Sarkar. Also present were the Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies Professor Dr Md Abdul Kaioum Masud, along with university teachers, students, officers and staff.
Chittagong divisional branch of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) organised this Milad Mahfil and Doa programme at NSTU.
RAJBARI: Cultural Affairs Minister and MP for Rajbari-1 constituency Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam, has said the country's youth must be saved from the scourge of drugs. These young people are the strength of the country.
Speaking on the occasion of President Zia's martyrdom anniversary, he said, "President Ziaur Rahman came to power at a critical time for the country. He undertook a canal-digging project to save the nation from the adverse effects of the Farakka barrage."
He formed SAARC with the aim of presenting Bangladesh to the world. Through him, the people of the country regained press freedom. Due to envy of his leadership, his opponents killed him.
The people elected Begum Khaleda Zia as Prime Minister three times because she firmly upheld the ideals of the late Zia. BNP must carry Zia's ideology to the people by following the path he showed. They must share in the joys and sorrows of the people. They must listen to people's problems and find solutions accordingly. Sitting at home will not do.
The mourning day programme was held on Saturday afternoon at the District BNP office under the chairmanship of Advocate Liakat Ali Babu. Among others, District BNP leader Professor Monjurul Alam Dulal, District BNP's Gazi Ahsan Habib, Professor Ahsanul Karim Hitu, District BNP Joint Secretary Rezaul Karim Pintu, and District BNP Joint Convener Akmal Hossain spoke.
PIROJPUR: District BNP chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the 45th death anniversary of the party founder and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
A mourning rally was brought out from the premises of Shilpakala Academy, which paraded main roads and ended at the same place.
Later, a discussion meeting was organised at the auditorium.
Ahamad Sohel Monzoor Sumon, MP and State Minister of Housing and Public Works, attended the programme as the chief guest, while Central BNP member and Administrator of the District Council, Principal Alamgir Hossain was the special guest. District Committee Convener Md. Nazrul Islam Khan presided over the meeting, and Member Secretary SM Saidul Islam Kismat conducted it.
Food was distributed among the poor and distressed people at noon. BNP and its frontal organisations' leaders, workers and supporters took part in all programmes.
Speakers said that with the ideology of their great leader, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, they will move forward to rebuild their party and the state as well. Pro-poor programmes, enhancing productivity and employment creation are the prime objectives of the present government.
