The BNP is observing the 37th death anniversary of its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman across the country today with due reverence.

The party and different socio-political organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes, including discussion meetings, milad mahfil, photo exhibition, free medical camps, and distribution of food and clothes among the destitute people, to mark the day.

Zia had founded BNP in 1978. On May 30, 1981, he was assassinated by a cabal of army officers at Chittagong Circuit House.

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

The BNP and its associate organisations have drawn up a 10-day programme (May 25 to June 5) to observe the day. As part of the programme, the party arranged a discussion in the capital's Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, yesterday.

The party flag will be hoisted at half-mast, while black flags to be hoisted at its Nayapaltan central office and all other party offices across the country at 6:00am today.

Party leaders and activists, led by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will place wreaths at Zia's grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the morning.

Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal will hold a milad and doa mahfil on the premises of the grave.

Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) will arrange a free medical camp at the BNP's central office while Chhatra Dal will arrange a photo exhibition at the Jatiya Press Club.

BNP leaders will distribute iftar items and clothes among the destitute people at different parts of the city under the arrangement of Dhaka north and south units of the party.

All the district, city and thana units of BNP will also observe the day in a similar manner. The party men will wear black badges and supplements will be published in newspapers to mark the day.