Gopalganj Correspondent

On the occasion of the 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence and founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a doa and discussion session was organized by the Gopalganj BNP.

The programme  was held after Jummah prayers on Friday  at the personal office of M. H. Khan Monju—former Vice-President of Gopalganj BNP and former Assistant Organizing Secretary of BNP’s Dhaka Division. The event included a discussion and doa mahfil with local BNP leaders and activists.

Speaking as the chief guest, M. H. Khan Monju recalled that on the night of 30 May 1981, Ziaur Rahman was assassinated at the Chittagong Circuit House by a group of misguided soldiers. Since then, BNP has observed the day as his martyrdom anniversary. He highlighted Zia’s honesty, dedication, patriotism, work ethic, and strong leadership that earned him a permanent place in the hearts of the people.

He also detailed Ziaur Rahman’s life, from his birth on 19 January 1936 in Bagbari, Gabtali, Bogura, to his entry into the Pakistan Military Academy in 1953, and receiving commission in 1955. He declared Bangladesh’s independence from Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram on 25 March 1971 and commanded a sector during the Liberation War. For his bravery, he was awarded the title "Bir Uttam."

Prominent attendees included Gopalganj BNP Joint Convener Major (Retd.) Ohidul Haque Molla, former Organizing Secretary Syed Kamruzzaman Tutul, former Joint Secretary S. M. Sumon, former Office Secretary S. M. Humayun Kabir, former Publicity Secretary Sheikh Elias Ahmed, former Municipal BNP President Gias Uddin Jhonto Khan, former Tungipara BNP President Mehedi Billah, Nijra Union Chairman Ahmed Dholu Mina, former Gobra Union Chairman Arifuzzaman Tutul, former BNP member Sheikh Yahia, Nijra Union BNP former General Secretary Ekhlas Molla, and Masud Sheikh among others.

The program also featured the hoisting of black flags at BNP offices, wearing of black badges by party members, distribution of food (tobarak), and special prayers. Quran recitation and special prayers were also held at the Nijra Orphanage Madrasa, followed by food distribution among the orphans. A special doa was held earlier at Gopalganj District Model Mosque for the soul of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.