Tarique pays tribute to Zia and Khaleda on BNP founding anniversary

Tarique Rahman marked the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s 48th founding anniversary by placing wreaths at the graves of his parents, party founder Ziaur Rahman and former chairperson Khaleda Zia.

The prime minister and BNP chairman visited the graves in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at about 9:20 a.m., accompanied by senior party leaders. He offered fateha and joined a munajat seeking eternal peace for the two former leaders.

BNP is observing the anniversary with programmes across Bangladesh. Party flags were raised at the central office in Nayapaltan and at other offices, while district, metropolitan and upazila units prepared separate events. A five-day central programme includes a discussion, tree planting and fish-release activities. Posters and newspaper supplements are also marking the occasion.

This is BNP’s first founding anniversary since it returned to power under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, and the first without Khaleda Zia, who died on December 30, 2025. Ziaur Rahman founded BNP on September 1, 1978, after forming the Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Dal and the Jatiyatabadi Front. The party was formally launched at Ramna Restaurant in Dhaka with a 19-point programme focused on building a self-reliant Bangladesh.

Ziaur Rahman led BNP as chairman, followed by Khaleda Zia and then Tarique Rahman. Tarique and Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi issued separate anniversary messages greeting Bangladesh’s people, as well as party leaders, activists, supporters and well-wishers.