Dhaka: Today (Saturday) is the 34th death anniversary of late president Ziaur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

BNP, its associate bodies and different socio-cultural organisations will observe the day through various programmes.

BNP and its front organisations have planned a 14-day programme to observe the death anniversary.

The observance of the death anniversary began through a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh on 28 May.

The programme that will end on 10 June includes holding discussions, wearing black badges, publishing posters, supplements in newspapers, and distributing food among the destitute.

On 30 May 1981, Zia was assassinated by a group of army officers at Chittagong Circuit House.

Born in 19 January 1936 at Bagbari in Bogra, Zia was a sector commander during the Liberation War and awarded Bir Uttam, the highest gallantry award for a living officer for his wartime services.

A BNP press release on Friday said the death anniversary will be observed through various programmes, including hoisting party and black flags, wearing black badges, placing wreaths and offering fathea at Zia’s grave, distribution of cooked food among the poor and voluntary blood donation.

Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal will organise a Doa Mahfil on the premises of Zia’s grave while Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) will provide free medical check-up and distribute medicine in front of the party’s central office.

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia placed floral wreath at the grave of Ziaur Rahman at about11:00am.

The BNP chief also inaugurated a voluntary blood donation programme arranged by the DAB there.   

Khaleda Zia distributed food among the destitute and poor in the capital at about 11:30am on the day.

Ziaur Rahman rose to power on 7 November 1975 following the coup of mid-August and the counter-coup of 3 November.

He founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in 1978.

Khaleda Zia, widow of Ziaur Rahman, took over the helm of BNP after her husband's murder. Led by Khaleda Zia, the BNP governed the country thrice while it remained as the main opposition in parliament twice.