On the occasion of the 44th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, the Gulshan Thana unit of BNP organized a food distribution program for underprivileged individuals in the DCC market area of Gulshan-2 on Friday (May 30). Senior BNP leader and Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain participated in the event and stated that the current government had promised to restore the rights of the people, but that pledge has not been fulfilled. He emphasized that fair elections are the only path to establishing democracy in the country and urged the government to arrange elections on time.

In addition to Gulshan, BNP leaders also distributed food in several key areas of Dhaka, including Manik Mia Avenue (T&T College), the High Court Mazar, Basabo field, Dhanmondi Abahani ground, Dhanmondi KFC area, Kalabagan, Dhaka Medical College, and in front of the BNP central office at Naya Paltan. Senior leaders from both the northern and southern units of Dhaka city were present during these initiatives.

Earlier in the morning, BNP leaders paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman by placing floral wreaths at his grave. The delegation was led by Mirza Abbas and included senior figures such as Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moin Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, among others. Numerous advisors to the Chairperson, joint secretaries, and central committee leaders also attended the event. Following the tribute, a special prayer session was held at the graveyard premises, organized by the BNP’s religious wing.

Throughout the day, affiliated bodies of BNP — including the Freedom Fighters’ Wing, Youth Wing, Volunteer Wing, Farmers’ Wing, Women’s Wing, Weavers’ Wing, Fishermen’s Wing, Doctors’ Association, Engineers’ Association, and other professional organizations — paid homage individually by laying floral wreaths at Zia’s grave.

As part of the 8-day observance program, the party’s central and regional offices raised black flags and flew party flags at half-mast. BNP members wore black badges to mark the occasion. Additionally, the Jubo Dal (Youth Wing) opened a free medical camp at the central office in Naya Paltan, where underprivileged patients received free medicines and consultations from specialist doctors. Commemorative posters featuring Ziaur Rahman were also displayed across the country, and special supplements were published in newspapers to mark the day.