Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Sunday observed the 29th death anniversary of its founder and late president Ziaur Rahman, with thousands of his faithful and admirers renewing their pledge to advance the country along the line he set in national politics.

General Zia, who founded the BNP in 1978 in the process of political transition from military rule following the August 15, 195 coup, was assassinated this day in 1981 by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House.

The party and its associate organizations have taken up a 10-day programme to observe the day. The party flag has been hoisted at half-mast at the central party office at Naya Paltan and all party offices across the country.

Begum Khaleda Zia, leader of the opposition and party chairperson, placed wreaths at the grave of the late president at 10.00 in the morning and attended the Quran Khwani and Milad Mahfil.

Later, she rounded different areas of the capital to distribute food and clothes among the poor and destitute.

The day’s programmes included voluntary blood donation and distributing food among the destitute in different wards across the country.

A Quran Khwani was also organized at the party chief’s cantonment house in Moinul road where family members of Ziaur Rahman were present.

Meanwhile, leaders headed by party secretary-general Khandaker Delwar Hossain also placed wreaths at Zia’s place of eternal rest.

BNP standing committee leader Dr. Khandokar Mosharraf Hossain, Hannan Shah, Barrister Moudud Ahmed, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan and Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mia were present along with other party members.

Later, Khandaker Delwar Hossain told reporters that the government is trying to “underestimate” the contribution of Ziaur Rahman in different ways.

“Tough steps would be taken if the government obstructs the countrywide dawn-to-dusk general strike that BNP has called for June 27,” he said, on a note of warning.

After BNP, Dhaka metropolitan BNP, Juba Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swechhcha Sebok Dal and Mahila Dal paid tribute to Zia placing wreaths at his grave.

BST 1347 HRS, May 30, 2010
MM/MMK/ARF/SMS/MUA