Today, Friday, May 30, marks the 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. On this day in 1981, he was assassinated at the Chittagong Circuit House by some misguided members of the army, as part of a domestic and international conspiracy.

Ziaur Rahman was the proclaimer of Bangladesh`s independence, a prominent sector commander during the Liberation War, and the commander of the Z Force.

He was also the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP, which he established, is currently recognized as one of the country`s largest political parties.

President Ziaur Rahman brought about revolutionary changes in Bangladesh`s agriculture, industry, and economy.

Through initiatives like the canal digging program, the Green Revolution, and modern economic systems, he laid the foundation for the nation`s self-reliance. 

His interest in the development of women and children played a significant role in the country`s social progress. His notable qualities included honesty, dutifulness, and patriotism.

BNP`s Programs for the Anniversary
On the occasion of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman`s 44th martyrdom anniversary, the BNP and its affiliated organizations have announced an eight-day program.

The initiatives include discussion meetings, publication of posters and special supplements, wearing black badges, hoisting black flags, placing floral wreaths at Shaheed Zia`s grave, offering Fatiha, and distributing food and clothes among the poor.

These programs began on May 26 and will continue until June 2. On Thursday, May 29, senior party leaders participated in a discussion meeting organized by the BNP in Ramna, delivering speeches on Shaheed President Zia`s life and work.

At 6:00 AM today, Friday, the party flag will be hoisted at half-mast and black flags will be raised at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan and at offices across the country.

Additionally, activists will wear black badges. At 10:30 AM, floral wreaths will be placed at Shaheed President Zia`s grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

In the afternoon, the Dhaka Metropolitan North and South BNP will distribute food and clothes among the poor. Senior party leaders will be present at these events.

Assassination and Burial
It`s worth noting that on May 29, 1981, during an official visit to Chittagong, he was killed late the next night by some misguided members of the army and secretly buried in a deep jungle in Raozan.

Three days later, his body was recovered and brought to Dhaka, where millions of grieving people attended his Janaza (funeral prayer) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. He was later laid to rest on the National Parliament House premises.