On the first day of the 48th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute at the tombs of the party’s founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
On Tuesday (September 1) morning, as part of the founding anniversary program, Tarique Rahman visited Ziaur Rahman’s tomb at Zia Udyan in the capital, accompanied by central party leaders. There, he offered prayers (Fatiha recitation) and laid floral wreaths. Later, the BNP Chairman also paid tribute at Khaleda Zia’s tomb, where he participated in prayers and supplications.
The program was attended by BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Local Government Minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan, Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni, as well as senior leaders from various levels of the party. Central leaders of the party’s affiliated and associate organizations also participated in the event.
Then-President Ziaur Rahman founded the BNP on September 1, 1978. Since its establishment, the party has played a significant role in the country’s politics. Each year on the founding anniversary, party activists observe various programs, recalling Ziaur Rahman’s political philosophy and the objectives behind the BNP’s establishment.
On behalf of the party, the protection of independence and sovereignty, the establishment of multi-party democracy, and national development are cited as key objectives behind the BNP’s formation. According to the party, Ziaur Rahman founded the BNP during a crucial political and economic period for the country and initiated efforts to advance the nation through development and production-oriented activities.
For this year’s founding anniversary, the BNP has announced a five-day program. The program began on Tuesday at 6 AM with the hoisting of national and party flags at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan and other party offices nationwide. Later, at 9 AM, central leaders led by Tarique Rahman paid tribute at the tombs of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.
As part of the founding anniversary program, a discussion meeting on the objectives and significance of the BNP’s establishment will be held on September 5 at 3 PM at the Krishibid Institution-Bangladesh auditorium in the capital. The party has announced that Tarique Rahman will be present as the chief guest. Senior BNP leaders, as well as prominent intellectuals of the country, are also expected to participate in the discussion.
Additionally, an initiative has been taken to publish a poster for the founding anniversary. As part of its environmental and public welfare programs, the BNP will also carry out tree plantation and fish release programs across the country.
Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel will lead the fish release program. Meanwhile, Joint Secretary General and Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie is expected to lead the tree plantation program.
In addition to the central programs, BNP’s district, metropolitan, and various unit committees are observing discussion meetings, prayer sessions (doa mahfils), and other programs at their convenient times. In these programs, activists are discussing the party’s founding history, political role, and future plans.
Enthusiasm and fervor have been observed among BNP activists across the country surrounding the founding anniversary. Various programs, including flag hoisting, discussion meetings, prayers, and supplications, are being held at party offices from the center to the grassroots level.
The party’s 48th founding anniversary is being observed at a time when various discussions are ongoing regarding the BNP’s current standing and future role in the country’s political arena. This year’s programs are giving special importance to Ziaur Rahman’s political philosophy, Khaleda Zia’s long political role, and the BNP’s journey of nearly five decades.