Dhaka, Aug 31 (V7N) - The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will celebrate its 46th founding anniversary on Sunday with a pared-down schedule of events, in response to severe flooding in the eastern regions of the country.
 
Originally planning a series of elaborate programs, the party has scaled back its observances. Founded by late President Ziaur Rahman on September 1, 1978, with a vision to establish a self-reliant Bangladesh, BNP's anniversary celebrations will now focus on traditional activities.
 
The revised program includes hoisting the party flag at its central office in Nayapaltan and all BNP offices nationwide on Sunday morning. Key activities will feature offering Fateha and laying wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave in the capital, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at 11 a.m.
 
In the afternoon, BNP will hold a doa mahfil at its Nayapaltan Central office, praying for flood victims, those affected by recent student-led movements, and for the recovery of Khaleda Zia, widow of Ziaur Rahman.
 
The party's standing committee has canceled its five-day program and redirected the funds to the BNP’s relief fund to aid flood victims. The party’s associate bodies will also participate in the anniversary by holding doa mahfil, discussions, and distributing relief in flood-affected areas.
 
BNP has been in power four times and on the opposition bench twice in its 45-year history. It has been out of power for nearly 18 years since the 1/11 political changeover. Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have extended congratulations to the party members and the people of Bangladesh on this occasion.
 
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