DHAKA, May 30, 2025 (BSS) - The 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was observed in the country today with due respect. 

The proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence and pioneer of multi-party democracy, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, who was also sector commander during the War of Liberation and led the "Z Force" was assassinated on May 30, 1981 by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House.

To mark the day, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations chalked out eight-day long programmes to pay tribute to the founder of their party. 

Under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, BNP grew into one of the leading political parties of Bangladesh. 

The programmes of the day included discussion meetings, publication of posters and special supplements, wearing black badges, hoisting black flags, placing wreaths and offering prayers at Ziaur Rahman's grave and distribution of food and clothes among the underprivileged people.

The commemorative programmes began on May 25 and will continue until June 2. 

As part of the programmes, BNP held a discussion meeting at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium yesterday, where senior party leaders and distinguished guests delivered speeches highlighting the contribution of Ziaur Rahman to the Bangladesh’s progress and prosperity.

BNP lowered its party flag to half-mast and hoisted black flags at its central office in the capital's Nayapaltan and other offices countrywide in morning and party leaders and activists wore black badges. 

Besides, floral tributes were offered at Ziaur Rahman's grave in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in morning. 

Later, BNP's Dhaka north and south city units distributed food and clothes at various locations in presence of senior leaders.

Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman played a significant role in building a self-reliant Bangladesh through initiatives like canal-digging programmes, the Green Revolution, industrial development, and the introduction of a modern and pragmatic economic system. 

His efforts for women's empowerment and child development also provided new direction to the nation. His honesty, dedication, and patriotism were widely admired.

During his presidency, Ziaur Rahman transitioned Bangladesh from a one-party ruling system to a multi-party democracy, marking a fundamental shift in the country's political landscape.

A hallmark of his administration was the 19-point programmes, which encompassed economic, political, and social reforms. According to his supporters, these programmes embodied a vision of development-oriented politics. Its goals included increasing agricultural production, controlling population growth, achieving food self-sufficiency, decentralizing administration, and promoting private sector industrial growth. 

Notable among these was the canal-digging initiatives and the establishment of village government systems.

As he was leading the nation towards progress and prosperity, both domestic and international conspiracies began to emerge against him to take the country backward. 

On May 29, 1981, he traveled to Chattogram on an official visit. In the early hours of May 30, he was assassinated at the Chattogram Circuit House by a group of misguided military personnel. The conspirators buried his body in the remote jungles of Raozan. His body was recovered after three-day of the brutal incident and buried again in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

 

BNP and its associated bodies today paid rich tributes to their party founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman marking his 44th martyrdom anniversary.

Leaders and activists, led by BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, laid floral wreaths at the mausoleum of the BNP founder at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar here in the morning.

They also offered fateha there and a munajat seeking eternal peace of Shaheed Zia's departed soul.

Despite the rain, thousands of leaders and activists from different parts from Dhaka gathered at Zia's mausoleum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

They wore black badges on their chests and chanted slogans in remembrance of the party's founder.

Standing Committee members Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, AZM Zahid Hossain and other senior leaders were present, among others.

Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad paid homage to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, marking his 44th martyrdom anniversary by placing floral wreaths and offering prayers at his mausoleum in the capital this morning.

Led by the forum's convener, Prof Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain and Member Secretary Kader Gani Chowdhury, a procession of professionals marched to the mausoleum where they laid wreaths and participated in a munajat (prayer) seeking eternal peace for the late president.

Among those present were Prof Dr. Shamsul Alam Selim, Prof Dr. Nurul Islam, noted cultural figure Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Uzzal, Prof Dr. Abu Zafar, Prof Dr. Anisuzzaman, Engineer Alamgir Hasin Ahmed, Krishibid Dr. Shafiqul Islam and Engineer Mohammad Hanif.

Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP organized a series of programmes across various locations in the city. It will continue for three days. 

Following today's Jummah prayers, BNP National Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas took part in a programme organized by Paltan Police Station BNP and Swechchhasebak Dal South in front of the BNP Central Office in Nayapaltan. 

He also attended events of Shahbagh Police Station BNP held at Segunbagicha High School ground, Ramna Police Station BNP at Shantinagar Mor and in front of Desh TV in Mouchak and Khilgaon Police Station BNP at Jorpukur Playground in the capital.

At 11 am, freedom fighter Abdus Salam, former convener of Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP and member of the BNP Advisory Council, joined doa-mahfils and food distribution programmes at Lalbagh’s Hridoy Party Center, Azimpur Chapra Mosque and Azimpur Bottala.

Later at 3 pm, BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman participated in similar programmes at the South Gate of Basabo Playground under Sabujbagh Police Station and at Basabo Balur Ground.

BNP Women’s Affairs Secretary and Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas, along with other local leaders, attended as special guests there.

BNP National Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain also took part in multiple events of Dhanmondi Thana BNP here.

He distributed food among the needy at the area near KFC and Abahani Field.

He distributed food at Motijheel Thana BNP’s program in front of Babe Rahmat (Arambagh). 

BNP International Affairs Secretary Barrister Nasim Uddin Asim, BNP leader Rabiul Alam Rabi and various metropolitan and local leaders were present.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu was present as the chief guest at a prayer mahfil and food distribution programme of Chawkbazar Thana BNP and its affiliates held at Posta Mor.

The event was chaired by former councilor Shahidul Islam Babul and attended by Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP Joint Convener A.N.M. Saiful Islam, BNP leaders Anwar Parvez Badal, Hasan Mintu, Shamsunnahar Bhuiyan, Anwarul Haque Robi and other prominent leaders.

In the afternoon, a doa-mahfil was held at the Sutrapur Community Center organized by the local unit of BNP. Food was distributed among the poor and needy there.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, Engineer Ishraque Hossain and Metropolitan leaders MA Shahed Montu and Azizul Islam were present, among others.

 

Special doa-mahfils were held at the Gulshan residence and political office of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia to commemorate the 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

The first mahfil of the day took place at 'Feroza', the BNP Chairperson's residence at Gulshan area here. 

Party Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was present there while BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined it virtually from London.

Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman, Shaheed Zia’s nephew Mamunur Rahman, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's younger brother Shamim Iskandar, nephew Engineer Saiful Islam and other close family members participated in it.

BNP National Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, the chairperson’s private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Assistant Organizing Secretary (Dhaka Division)Nazrul Islam Azad, Central Executive Committee member Belayet Hossain Mridha, Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon and Gulshan office official Advocate Mehedul Islam Mehedi were also present.

The doa-mahfil was led by Hafez Md Humayun Kabir Khan, who offered prayers for the departed soul of President Ziaur Rahman and for the peace, prosperity and democratic progress of the country.

Following this, the second special doa-mahfil was held after Maghrib prayers at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan here.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined the mahfil virtually from London, alongside a significant presence of senior party leaders, central committee members and close associates of the party founder.

Among the notable attendees were BNP Standing Committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Barrister Jamiruddin Sarkar, Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Vice Chairmen Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon and Nurul Islam Moni and Advisory Council members including Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin and Abul Khair Bhuiyan.

Senior leaders such as Barrister Mahbubuddin Khokon, Afroza Khan Rita, Professor Sukomal Barua, Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, as well as senior journalist MA Aziz were also present.

Other key attendees included BNP Joint Secretaries General Habibunnabi Khan Sohel and Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, Party Treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat, former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfuzzaman Babar and former Members of Parliament Nazimuddin Alam and Shammi Akhter.

The mahfil concluded with prayers seeking eternal peace of the soul of President Ziaur Rahman and the continued unity among the party leaders and workers for the democratic aspirations of the nation. 

The University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) held a Quran recitation and prayer mahfil on the occasion of the 44th martyrdom anniversary of martyred President Ziaur Rahman. The Quran recitation and prayer mahfil was held at Madrasatush Shaykh Musa Tahfizul Madrasa in capital's Lalbagh today.

The martyrdom anniversary of former President of Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman, was observed today at Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia with great remembrance of his contribution to the country.
 
The day's events began with a large mourning rally, which started from the university's administrative building.

The martyrdom anniversary of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam — the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and pioneer of multi-party democracy in the country — was observed on Friday with due solemnity.

Madaripur District BNP organized a discussion and doa mahfil at the Madaripur Municipal Community Center with Advocate Zafar Ali Mia, convener of the District BNP, in the chair.

BNP and its front and associate organizations took day long elaborate programmes including rally, discussion, Doa Mahfil and food distribution in Jamalpur.

General Secretary, District BNP, Advocate Shah Md Wars Ali Mamun visited various spots of the programmes and joined discussions in Jamalpur municipality areas.

The day was observed in Satkhira with a series of commemorative events.

Jointly organized by Kalaroa Upazila and Municipal BNP, the day’s programmes included mourning rally, discussion, special prayers and food distribution initiative for the underprivileged.

As part of the observance of the 44th martyrdom anniversary of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the Sirajganj District unit of BNP brought out a rally on Friday morning.

A discussion was organized by the district BNP at the district council auditorium in Natore.

The 44th martyrdom anniversary of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was observed in Sylhet on Friday with due solemnity and respect.

Marking the occasion, Sylhet District BNP organized a range of programs.

One of the key programs was held at the premises of the Hazrat Shah Jalal Dargah Mosque following Jummah prayers.

The other programmes included special prayers, discussion and distribution of khara to the underprivileged.

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) today observed the 44th martyrdom anniversary of martyred President Ziaur Rahman with due solemnity.

On the occasion, a discussion, prayer session and milad-mahfil were held on the university campus. 

Speakers at the event paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman’s legacy as a proclaimer of independence and a pioneer of multi-party democracy in Bangladesh.

Faridpur District unit of BNP organized a discussion and doa mahfil this afternoon.

The programme, held at the BNP’s Kathpatti party office, was presided over by District BNP Convener Modarres Ali Isa.

Among the speakers were Faridpur District BNP Joint Conveners Afzal Hossain Khan Palash, Syed Zulfikar Hossain Jewel, Tanvir Chowdhury Rubel, Delwar Hossain Dila and Fazlul Haque Tulu. 

Member Secretary AKM Kibria Swapan, District Jubo Dal President Rajib Hossain Rajib, General Secretary Jahangir Hossain and Sechchhasebak Dal Convener Mozammel Hossain Mithu also spoke at the gathering.

Leaders and activists from various affiliated and associate organizations of the BNP attended the event, which was concluded with a prayer for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.