Tributes paid to Zia

Rich tributes were paid to the memory of late president and founder of BNP Ziaur Rahman yesterday on the 64th anniversary of his birth.

Hundreds of people gathered at his mazar in the city on the day, placed wreaths and offered fateha for peace of his departed soul.

They recalled the contribution of Zia who introduced Bangladeshi Nationalism, restored multi-party democracy and initiated the move for founding of SAARC.

A valiant freedom fighter, Zia was the chief of 'Z' Force in the War of Liberation in 1971. He was assassinated on May 30, 1981 while he was president.

A 10-day programme taken up by BNP and its front organisations to mark Zia's birth anniversary across the country began yesterday.

In the city, the day's programmes began with the placing of wreaths at his mazar.

BNP Chairperson and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Khaleda Zia along with top party leaders, MPs and workers placed wreath first and offered fateha at the mazar at 11am.

The leaders included Prof AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, M Saifur Rahman, Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Oli Ahmed, Khandaker Delwar Hossain, Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Matin Chowdhury and Chowdhury Tanveer Ahmed Siddique.

Wreaths were then placed by Juba Dal, Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Sramik Dal, City BNP, Zia Shishu Kishore Organisation, Jasas, Zia-Khaleda Research Council, Mohila Dal, Ulema Dal, Secchashebak Dal, Zia Parishad, Zia Nagorik Forum, Deshnetri Parishad, Zia Smrity Sangsad, Zia Sangskritik Sangathan, Zia Forum and various other organisations.

After offering of fateha, Khaleda and others attended a milad mahfil on the mazar premises, organised by Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal.

She also inaugurated two blood donation programmes at the same venue, arranged by Zia Sangskritik Sangathan, Muktijoddha Dal, Doctors Association of Bangladesh and Zia Nagorik Forum.

In the afternoon, BNP organised a discussion on "Announcer of Independence and Freedom Fighter Ziaur Rahman" at the Institution of Engineers. Prominent freedom fighters took part in the discussion.