The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party will celebrate the 87th birth anniversary of its founder Ziaur Rahman today.

The party already announced a 10-day programme to observe the birth anniversary of Zia.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programmes after a joint meeting of the party and its associate bodies at BNP’s Naya Paltan central office on January 14.

The programmes include placing wreaths at Zia’s grave at Sher-e-Banglanagar at 11:00am and a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in memory of Zia at 3:00pm on January 19.

Marking the day, Mahila Dal held a discussion on Tuesday, Sramik Dal is scheduled to hold a discussion on January 21, Muktijoddha Dal on January 22, Krishak Dal on January 23, Juba Dal on January 24 and Swechchashebak Dal on January 26.

A drawing competition, organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, and a milad mahfil, organised by Ulama Dal, were held on Wednesday.

Dhaka city BNP (north-south) will distribute warm clothes to the poor today.

Besides, a cultural programme will be arranged tomorrow by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha.

Born on January 19, 1936, at Bagbari in Bogura, Ziaur Rahman founded the party in 1978 and became the country’s 7th president.

Zia was assassinated by a group of army officers at Chittagong Circuit House on May 30, 1981.