Zia's 44th martyrdom anniversary today

The 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman will be observed in the country today (Friday) with due respect, reports BSS.
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 have 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 include 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.
BNP will lower its party flag to half-mast and hoist black flags at its central office in the capital's Nayapaltan and other offices countrywide at 6:00 am today and party leaders and activists will wear black badges.
Besides, floral tributes will be offered at Ziaur Rahman's grave in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 10:30 AM.
Later, BNP's Dhaka north and south city units will distribute food and clothes at various locations in presence of senior leaders. Ziaur Rahman played a significant role in building a self-reliant Bangladesh through initiatives like canal-digging programmes, the Green Revolution and industrial development.