34th death anniversary of Zia observed

The 34th death anniversary of former president Ziaur Rahman, also the founder of BNP, was observed across the country with various programmes yesterday.

Flanked by a large number of leaders and activists, BNP chief Khaleda Zia, placed wreaths and offered fateha at Zia's mazar at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.

The BNP chief attended various events, including milad and doa mahfils and voluntary blood donation programmes, on the premises of Zia's grave.  

She also distributed food among the destitute in various parts of the capital under a three-day destitute feeding programme organised by Dhaka city unit BNP.

Different units of the party and its associate bodies observed the day across the country with due respect.

BNP and its front organisations chalked out a 14-day programme to observe the death anniversary.

Marking the day, the party flag was kept at half-mast, while black flags were hoisted atop BNP's Nayapaltan central office and other party offices.

Zia was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House on May 30, 1981.

Born on January 19, 1936 at Bagbari in Bogra, Zia was a sector commander during the Liberation War and awarded Bir Uttam, the highest gallantry award for a surviving officer for his wartime services.