The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations observed the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman on Saturday with various programmes across the country and in several countries abroad.
As part of the observance, party flags were kept at half-mast and black flags were hoisted at BNP offices nationwide, including the party's central office in Nayapaltan, from 6am.
BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman led party leaders and activists in paying tribute to Ziaur Rahman by placing wreaths at his grave in Dhaka. A prayer gathering was later held at the shrine premises.
Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was also present at the event.
To mark the anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated on May 30, 1981, the BNP announced an eight-day programme running from May 25 to June 1.
Under the programme, party leaders and activists wore black badges, special posters were displayed across the country, and newspapers and online platforms published special supplements on the late president's life and contributions.
Discussion meetings, prayer gatherings, food distribution programmes and clothing donations were organised in different parts of the country. Special prayers were also offered at mosques, temples and other places of worship.
On Saturday morning, Tarique Rahman launched a food and clothing distribution programme for poor and underprivileged people at 16 locations in Dhaka North and South City Corporations.
The programme began at the T&T High School ground on Manik Mia Avenue. Later, food was distributed in several areas, including Shyamoli, Pallabi, ECB Chattar, Kuril Biswa Road, Banglabazar, Jatrabari, Jurain and Dhanmondi.
On Sunday a discussion meeting was also scheduled at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital. Senior BNP leaders participated in the event, which was chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Similar discussion meetings and prayer sessions were held in different districts and abroad, including Germany and Malaysia.
In Bogura, BNP organized a daylong free medical camp at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Children's Hospital. Hundreds of people received free treatment and medicines.
Speaking at various events, BNP leaders highlighted Ziaur Rahman's role in Bangladesh's Liberation War and his contribution to introducing multi-party democracy in the country.
Ziaur Rahman was a sector commander during the 1971 Liberation War and later founded the BNP, which became one of Bangladesh's largest political parties. Supporters credit him with promoting multi-party democracy and playing a key role in regional cooperation initiatives in South Asia.
Every year, BNP leaders, activists and supporters observe the day through prayers, discussions and social welfare activities in memory of the late president.
