Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. File Photo

CHATTOGRAM, August 31, 2026 (BSS) – In commemoration of the 48th anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), leaders and activists from the Chattogram city BNP paid respects at the Rangunia’s original temporary burial site of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, and the founder of BNP and multi-party democracy in the country. 

On Monday, a ceremony was held at the grave of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman in Rangunia, organized by the Chattogram Metropolitan BNP, which included the laying of wreaths, holding prayers and a milad mahfil to honor his memory and seek forgiveness for his soul.

Present at the event were Chattogram Metropolitan BNP convener Ershad Ullah MP, member secretary Nazimur Rahman, former member secretary Abul Hashem Bakkar, and central BNP member Shamsul Alam.
Following the tribute, Ershad Ullah MP, the Convener of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP, said that on September 1, 1978, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman initiated a new political era by founding the BNP. His vision was to safeguard the nation's independence and sovereignty, uphold the rights of the people, and foster a robust and dignified Bangladesh.

During a time when democratic freedom was diminishing, he paved the way for multi-party democracy, he said, adding that later, the BNP played a crucial role in numerous democratic movements and struggles for the welfare of the country and its people. He noted that the fight to restore democracy advanced through the anti-dictatorship movement led by Begum Khaleda Zia, and in 1991, the BNP assumed the responsibility of governance and reinstated parliamentary democracy.
Now is the moment to establish a more robust and institutionalized form of democracy, he said, adding that in addition to upholding the rule of law, freedom of expression, the press, and the judiciary, it is imperative that all stakeholders collaborate to create a peaceful, democratic, and civil rights-oriented Bangladesh under the guidance of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

 Nazimur Rahman, Member Secretary of Chattogram city BNP, said that the BNP has encountered numerous challenges throughout its extensive political journey. The party has faced oppression and persecution of its leaders and activists, and various crises have emerged; however, the BNP has consistently managed to recover due to the affection and support of the populace, he added. 
 The BNP is not merely a party serving individual interests; it is a political entity that embodies the rights and aspirations of the nation's citizens.
 
Present at the event were Chattogram city BNP Joint Convener Mohammad Mia Bhola, SM Saiful Alam, Kazi Belal Uddin, Harun Zaman, RU Chowdhury Shaheen, Shawkat Azam Khawaja, Yasin Chowdhury Liton, Shihab Uddin Mubin, and Manjur Alam Manju, along with leaders and activists from BNP and its affiliated organizations.

During the Doa and Milad Mahfil, prayers were offered for the souls of Shaeed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam and the late national leader Begum Khaleda Zia. Side by side good- wishes were extended for the good health and longevity of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, as well as for the peace, prosperity, and welfare of the country and its people.