Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman -File Photo

DHAKA, May 30, 2026 (BSS) - The 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President of Bangladesh, proclaimer of independence, one of the sector commanders of the Liberation War, founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and advocate of multi-party democracy, Ziaur Rahman, will be observed today. 

On May 30, 1981, he was killed at the Chattogram Circuit House by a group of disgruntled army officers as part of a domestic and foreign conspiracy. 

To mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, BNP announced an eight-day special programme from May 25 to June 1. 

According to the announced programmes, special posters are being published across the country from May 25 to June 1, and party leaders and activists are wearing black badges. 

In addition, special supplements will be published in various newspapers and online portals. 

On May 30 (Saturday) at 6:00 am, party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan and at party offices across the country. 

On the same day at 11:00 am, under the leadership of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, national leaders of the party and leaders and activists from all levels will place wreaths and offer prayers at the grave of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. 

After the prime minister’s visit at the grave premises, a Doa mahfil organized by the Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal will be held there.

In addition, cloths and food items including rice and lentils will be distributed among poor and underprivileged people at every thana area in Dhaka North and South, as well as in other units across the country to mark the occasion. 

Similarly, on May 30 at 6:00 am, party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted in all districts, metropolitan areas, and other units of the country. 

Depending on local convenience, discussion meetings, prayer gatherings, and distribution of food and clothing among the poor will also be carried out. 

The following day, Sunday, May 31, at 2:00 pm, a discussion meeting organized by BNP will be held at the auditorium of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Ramna, Dhaka. 

Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, was one of the sector commanders of the Liberation War and commander of Z Force. He was the founder of BNP, one of the country’s largest political parties. 

The BNP founded by him has now become one of the major political forces in Bangladesh. 

Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy in Bangladesh. 

For this reason, he is called as the pioneer of multi-party democracy. 

He is also credited as the visionary architect and founder of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Ziaur Rahman established a timeless political philosophy based on nationalism. 

The BNP founded by him secured a majority in the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12 and formed the government. Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, is currently the chairman of BNP and is serving as the Prime Minister of the new government. 

With the overwhelming trust and support of the people, BNP has so far been entrusted with running the state five times, including the current term. 

Every year, the day is observed as the martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman not only by BNP and its associate organizations but also by people from various walks of life.