Zia's 90th birth anniversary today
BNP is observing the 90th birth anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman today (19 January) through a series of programmes across the country.
Born on 19 January 1936 at Bagbari, Bogura, Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978 and later became the country's seventh president.
As part of the observance, party flags are being hoisted at BNP offices nationwide. Party leaders and activists, led by members of the BNP standing committee, will place wreaths at Zia's grave and offer prayers.
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Other programmes include a free medical camp by the Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB) today and a discussion meeting scheduled for tomorrow at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh.
BNP's city, district and upazila units, along with its associate bodies are also marking the day with various activities, including discussion meetings and the distribution of warm clothes among the poor.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a message paying deep tribute to Ziaur Rahman.
"Shaheed Zia was a visionary statesman – the proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence, the pioneer of multi-party democracy, the commander of the Z Force during the Liberation War, and the proponent of Bangladesh nationalist ideology," he said.
Ziaur Rahman was assassinated by a group of army officers at the Chattogram Circuit House on 30 May 1981.
