Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated bodies on Friday observed the 44th martyrdom anniversary of its founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman through a series of programs held across the country.
The observance began early Friday morning and includes tributes, prayer gatherings, discussions, charitable activities, and community engagement initiatives.
As part of the day's official proceedings, black flags were hoisted and party flags were flown at half-mast at BNP's central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, as well as at district and local offices nationwide, starting at 6:00 AM. Party leaders, activists, and supporters donned black badges as a sign of mourning and respect for the late leader.
At approximately 10:30 AM, senior BNP leaders, under the leadership of Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, paid homage at the grave of Ziaur Rahman, located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Other notable leaders in attendance included Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moin Khan, Salah Uddin Ahmed, AZM Zahid Hossain, among others. The leaders placed floral wreaths at the tomb, followed by a solemn prayer session seeking eternal peace for Ziaur Rahman's departed soul. The Nationalist Ulama Party also organized a prayer gathering at the grave premises.
Despite challenging weather conditions, dedicated party members and supporters arrived in small processions from various wards of Dhaka to participate in the commemorative event. Throughout the morning, different BNP associate bodies including Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal, Mahila Dal, Tanti Dal, Matsyajibi Dal, Muktijoddha Dal, Doctors Association, Engineers Association, and Sammilit Peshajibi Parishad laid wreaths at the grave in separate groups.
Following the tributes, BNP Standing Committee members formally launched a city-wide initiative to distribute food to the underprivileged. These distributions took place in various locations, including T&T College (Manik Mia Avenue), the High Court Mazar, Gulshan-2 City Corporation Market, Basabo Playground, Dhanmondi Abahani Field, Kalabagan, KFC Dhanmondi, Dhaka Medical College, and BNP's central office at Naya Paltan.
These initiatives form part of an eight-day programme that the BNP has undertaken in honor of Ziaur Rahman's martyrdom anniversary. The commemorations, which began on May 26, are scheduled to continue until June 2. Activities include discussion meetings, poster and leaflet publications, distribution of food and clothing among the poor, recitation of Fateha at Zia's grave, hoisting of black flags, and widespread engagement of party members and supporters.
In Noakhali, BNP and its affiliated organizations organized a discussion meeting and a communal feast at the District Bar Association auditorium. Leaders and activists from all upazilas of the district, along with local madrasa students, participated. Central leaders including Golam Haider BSC and Advocate ABM Zakaria addressed the gathering. The event was chaired by Noakhali District BNP Convener Mahbub Alamgir Alo and moderated by Member Secretary Harunur Rashid Azad.
In Jessore, the observance began with the hoisting of party and black flags at the district BNP office. A prayer meeting was held at 10 AM, organized by the district Ulama Dal, and attended by senior leaders including BNP National Executive Committee Vice Chairperson Professor Nargis Islam and Khulna Divisional Acting Organizing Secretary Anindya Islam Amit.
A blood donation campaign, organized by district Chhatra Dal, followed. Later, a mass food distribution initiative was carried out at over 100 locations across Jessore city, with Anindya Islam Amit participating as the chief guest.
In Tangail, BNP organized a prayer and food distribution program in front of the Tangail Press Club. District BNP President Hasanuzzamil Shaheen presided over the event, while General Secretary Farhad Iqbal and other senior leaders including Moylaheen Haque Sanu and Kazi Shafiqur Rahman Liton addressed the gathering. Leaders of the city BNP, Jubo Dal, and other affiliated organizations were also in attendance.
