BNP observes 'National Solidarity Day' today

BNP is observing "National Revolution and Solidarity Day" today, marking the "civil-military uprising" in 1975 that led to the release of party founder Ziaur Rahman from captivity.

Zia, the then chief of army staff, was freed from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment by soldiers and civilians amid political turmoil, paving the way for him to come to power.

The ruling Awami League and its front organisations consider it the day of the "killing of freedom fighters" and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rab) of civil-military revolution.

In a message, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, now in London, yesterday said, "…soldiers and civilians took to the streets together with a strong vow to protect the national independence and sovereignty and foil all conspiracies against the country."

"Through the historical change, the country started its preparation for restoring the democratic system in the country and the multiparty democracy system has been re-established," said Khaleda.

BNP Spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon said BNP would not hold their discussion in the capital's Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh as the venue authority cancelled BNP's booking saying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has a schedule programme in the adjoining area. He said BNP was yet to final a new venue and date.

BNP will hoist party flags at its offices at 6:00am and leaders and activists will place wreaths at Zia's grave at 10:00am as part of its 10-day programme marking the occasion.