Dhaka: The sixth death anniversary of M Saifur Rahman, the country’s longest-serving finance minister, will be observed on Friday.

On this day in 2009, Saifur, also a former BNP standing committee member, died in a road accident on Dhaka-Sylhet highway at the age of 77.

Local BNP and Durre Samad Rahman and Saifur Rahman Foundation have chalked out various programmes, including discussions and milad mahfil, to observe the day with due respect.

As part of the programme, BNP leaders and activists will place wreaths at the grave of Saifur in the morning.

They will also offer fateha there and pray for salvation of his departed soul.

Moulvibazar district unit BNP will arrange a milad and discussion in the afternoon.

Sylhet BNP will hold a milad mahfil at Sylhet central mosque after Juma prayers.

Besides, Durre Samad Rahman and Saifur Rahman Foundation will arrange a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, Dhaka in memory of the late minister.

Born at Baharmardan village in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila on October 6, 1932, Saifur was with BNP since its inception as an adviser to late president Ziaur Rahman. He went on to serve in Zia’s cabinet as the first commerce minister and then the finance minister.

A chartered accountant-turned politician, Saifur had a unique record of preparing 12 budgets since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. He was elected to parliament for four times.

Saifur took part in the 1952 Language Movement and was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2005.

During his colorful career, Saifur had held different important posts in the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank and IFAD.