Dhaka: The 89th birth anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was celebrated today in the capital city and across the country through various programs. The celebrations marked the contributions of Ziaur Rahman, the founding President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a pivotal figure in the establishment of multi-party democracy in Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the day’s events commenced with the hoisting of the party flag at BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan. At 11 am, senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, paid homage to Ziaur Rahman by placing floral wreaths at his grave in Sher-e-Banglanagar, Dhaka.
Ziaur Rahman was born on January 19, 1936, in Bagbari Village of Nashipur Union, Gabtoli in Bogura district. He was the second of five children born to chemist Mansur Rahman and Jahanara Khatun, and he was affectionately known by his nickname, Kamal. His rise to prominence began following the assassination of President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family on August 15, 1975. Ziaur Rahman assumed power through the Sepoy-People Rebellion on November 7 of the same year.
On September 1, 1978, Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). His presidency was marked by significant political changes until his assassination by army members on May 30, 1981.
In observance of this significant anniversary, a discussion meeting was held at the Bangladesh Engineers Institution (IEB) auditorium in Ramna, Dhaka, organized by the central BNP. Another meeting took place at the Diploma Engineers Institute auditorium in Kakrail, organized by BNP’s front and associate organizations.
Additionally, Dhaka North BNP hosted a ‘Zia Memorial Cricket Tournament’ to honor the late President’s legacy. On the eve of the anniversary, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir conveyed a message of respect, highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s role as a statesman, promoter of multi-party democracy, and proponent of Bangladeshi nationalist philosophy.