BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today paid homage to party founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister and former BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.  Photo: PMO

DHAKA, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today paid homage to his father and party founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and his mother former Prime Minister and former BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, marking the party’s 48th founding anniversary. 

Tarique Rahman arrived at his parents’ graves in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 9:17am and placed wreaths at the graves along with members of the party's Standing Committee and other senior leaders.

They also offered Fateha and joined a special munajat seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of the BNP founder and former chairperson.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Selima Rahman, Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee and other senior BNP leaders were present.

After paying tribute, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, accompanied by party leaders, planted saplings on the Ziaur Rahman mausoleum premises and released fish fry into the adjacent lake. 

Following the Prime Minister’s departure and the lifting of the security cordon, a large number of party leaders, activists and supporters gathered at the mausoleum premises to pay homage to the memory of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

They brought out processions and chanted slogans including “Shubho Shubho Shubho Din, BNP'r Jonmodin” and “Ek Zia Lokantore, Lokkho Zia Ghore Ghore,” turning the mausoleum premises into a festive gathering.

The BNP is observing its 48th founding anniversary with a five-day programme.

District and metropolitan units across the country are also holding various programmes, including discussions, to mark the occasion.

The BNP is observing the anniversary at a significant time, as the party has returned to state power after two decades, with Tarique Rahman serving as Prime Minister for the first time.

Ziaur Rahman founded the BNP on September 1, 1978, and served as its chairman.

He was succeeded by Begum Khaleda Zia, while Tarique Rahman is now leading the party.

Tarique Rahman took charge of the party following the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on December 30, 2025.