Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its associate bodies are celebrating the 86th birth anniversary of the party founder and late president Ziaur Rahman across the country today (Jan 19).

Born on January 19, 1936 at Bagbari in Bogra, Zia had become the country’s 7th president and formed Bangladesh Nationalist Party in 1978.

BNP has taken up various programmes to observe the day.

Party leaders and activists placed wreaths on Zia’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital around 11:00am.

They also offered Fateha at the grave seeking eternal peace of the party founder.

Besides, the party flag was hoisted atop all BNP offices across the country at 6 am.

The party has taken steps for publishing special articles in national newspapers on the occasion.

BNP’s associate bodies will also mark the day with various programmes, including discussions, a photo exhibition, and an essay competition as part of the birth anniversary programmes.

The party’s city, district and upazila units will also observe the day with different programmes. 

During the country’s War of Independence in 1971, Zia was initially a sector commander and later as brigade commander commanded the Z-Force. Zia was decorated with the second highest gallantry award of Bir Uttam.

As military officer, he had also served as the chief of staff of Bangladesh Army as a three-star general.

He rose to power on November 7, 1975 following the coup of mid-August and the counter-coup of November 3.

In April 1977, he became president after Justice ASM Sayem, who had been installed in office by General Khaled Musharraf on November 6, 1975.

Zia was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House on the night of May 30, 1981.

BDST: 1344 HRS, JAN 19, 2022
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