Staff Reporter:
The 45th martyrdom anniversary of former president of Bangladesh, proclaimer of independence, one of the sector commanders of the Liberation War, founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and advocate of multi-party democracy, Ziaur Rahman, will be observed on Saturday.
On 30 May 1981, he was killed at the Chattogram Circuit House by a group of disgruntled army officers as part of a domestic and foreign conspiracy.
Every year, the day is observed as the martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman not only by the BNP and its associate organisations but also by people from various walks of life.
To mark the day, the BNP already announced an eight-day special programme from 25 May to 1 June.
According to the announced programmes, special posters are being published across the country from 25 May to 1 June, and party leaders and activists are wearing black badges.
In addition, special supplements will be published in various newspapers and online portals.
At 6am on Saturday, the party flag will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at the party’s central office in the capital’s Naya Paltan and at party offices across the country.
At 11am, under the leadership of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, national leaders of the party and leaders and activists from all levels will place wreaths and offer prayers at the grave of Ziaur Rahman.
After the prime minister’s visit to the grave premises, a doa mahfil will be organised by the Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal.
In addition, clothes and food items, including rice and lentils, will be distributed among the poor and underprivileged people at every thana area in Dhaka North and South, as well as in other units across the country to mark the occasion.
Depending on local convenience, discussion meetings, prayer gatherings, and distribution of food and clothing to the poor will also be held.
On Sunday at 2pm, the BNP will hold a discussion meeting at the auditorium of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Ramna, Dhaka.
Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, was one of the sector commanders of the Liberation War and the commander of Z Force. He was the founder of the BNP, one of the country’s largest political parties.
The BNP, founded by him, has now become one of the major political forces in Bangladesh.
Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy in Bangladesh. For this reason, he is called the pioneer of multi-party democracy.
He is also credited as the visionary architect and founder of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Ziaur Rahman established a timeless political philosophy based on nationalism.
The BNP secured a majority in the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on 12 February and formed the government.
Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of Ziaur Rahman, is currently the chairman of the BNP and is serving as the prime minister of the new government.
With the overwhelming trust and support of the people, the BNP has so far been entrusted with running the state five times, including the current term.
