The BNP on Saturday announced a 10-day programme to observe the 87th birth anniversary of its founder Ziaur Rahman on January 19.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programme after a joint meeting of the party and its associate bodies at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.

“In the current context, Ziaur Rahman is not only relevant but also important. That’s why we, on behalf of the party, have taken up various events to commemorate the day,” said Fakhrul.

“Let us remember the person with due respect who proclaimed independence and who showed us the way. We’ll celebrate the day to build a free and prosperous Bangladesh and build a safe abode for our next generation,” he added.

The BNP leader said, “We have to remember that we fought the Liberation War of Bangladesh – they talk about the spirit of the Liberation War but they have totally forgotten it and destroyed it. The spirit was building a free society and a democratic state, but they destroyed it.”

Fakhrul added, “People of the country have now woken up, already 15 leaders and activists of the BNP died in police firing and by the torture carried out by the Awami League-led criminals.

“More than 600 leaders of the BNP have been made disappeared in the past 15 years while thousands of leaders and activists have been killed.”

He said, “False cases have been filed against 34-40 lakh people and still more than 1000 BNP leaders including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Abdus Salam, Khairul Kabir, Shimul Biswas are in jail.”

The events include the placing of floral wreaths at Zia's grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11am and discussions at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in memory of Zia at 3pm on January 19.

Mohila Dal will hold a discussion event on January 17, Sramik Dal on January 21, Muktijoddha Dal on January 22, Krishak Dal on January 23, Jubo Dal on January 24 and Swechchashebak Dal on January 26.

An art competition, organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, will be held on January 18. A Milad mahfil, organised by Ulama Dal will be held on the same day.

Dhaka Metropolitan BNP (North-South) will distribute winter clothes on January 19.

Besides, a cultural programme will be held on January 20 arranged by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas).

Born on January 19, 1936, at Bagbari in Bogura, Ziaur Rahman founded the party in 1978 and became the country's 7th president. He was assassinated by a group of army officers at Chittagong Circuit House on May 30, 1981.