Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to celebrate its 46th founding anniversary today, September 1, with a mix of tradition and somber reflection.
This year’s celebration is marked by the recent political shift following the fall of the Awami League, BNP’s longtime rival, after nearly 16 years in power.
Founded by the late President Ziaur Rahman on September 1, 1978, with a 19-point program aimed at building a self-reliant Bangladesh, the BNP has decided to observe its anniversary in a more subdued manner this year.
The party’s decision to scale down celebrations is due to its ongoing involvement in distributing aid to flood victims in the eastern regions of the country.
Despite the reduced scale, the BNP will carry out traditional activities, including the hoisting of the party flag at the Nayapaltan central office and at all BNP offices nationwide on Sunday morning.
Party leaders and activists, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will pay tribute by placing wreaths and offering *Fateha* (prayers) at the grave of the party’s founder, Ziaur Rahman, at 11 a.m. in the capital.
In the afternoon, the BNP will host a *doa mahfil* (prayer session) at its Nayapaltan Central office, seeking divine blessings for those affected by the floods, those who were killed or injured in the recent student-led mass movement, and for the swift recovery of Khaleda Zia, the widow of Ziaur Rahman.
The BNP’s standing committee recently decided to cancel its previously planned five-day anniversary programs, redirecting the funds allocated for these events to the party’s relief fund to aid flood victims.
Across the country, BNP’s associate bodies and units will observe the day with respect, organizing *doa mahfils*, discussions, and relief distribution in flood-affected areas.Over its 45-year journey, the BNP has been in power four times and has served in the opposition twice.
The party has been out of power for nearly 18 years since the 1/11 political changeover.
On this significant day, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir extended their congratulations to the people, party leaders, workers, and well-wishers.