DHAKA: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders and activists observed the 34th death anniversary of party’s founder former president Ziaur Rahman.

BNP and its associate wings took a 15-day long program to mark the day. The party flag kept hoisted at half-mast at the party’s Naya Paltan central office and all other party offices across the country.

Leaders and activists of the party, including party chief Khaleda Zia, offered special prayers and placed wreaths at the grave of Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in city.

Khaleda also distributed food among poor people at different spots of the capital.

On this day in 1981, Zia was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House.

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

BDST: 2230 HRS, MAY 30, 2015
SR

** Zia’s death anniv being marked