Tarique Rahman plants tree and releases fish to mark BNP anniversary

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman marked the BNP’s 48th founding anniversary by planting a tree and releasing fish in Dhaka.

The events took place at Zia Udyan and Crescent Lake in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar after Tarique paid tribute to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former chairperson Khaleda Zia by placing wreaths at their graves. BNP Standing Committee members and senior party officials attended.

The party began its anniversary programme by hoisting national and party flags at its central office in Nayapaltan and at the chairman’s office in Gulshan. Its five-day central programme includes tree planting, fish release and a discussion. A free medical camp organised by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh also opened at the central office, with senior association officials present.

Ziaur Rahman founded the BNP on Sept. 1, 1978, with a 19-point programme focused on building a self-reliant Bangladesh. He led the party as chairman, followed by Khaleda Zia and then Tarique Rahman.

This year’s anniversary carries a particular political weight for the party. The BNP is celebrating after returning to state power under Tarique’s leadership, with him serving as prime minister for the first time. It is also the first founding anniversary held without Khaleda Zia, who died on Dec. 30, 2025.