Dhaka, September 1— The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is celebrating its 46th founding anniversary today. Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman has extended his greetings and congratulations to party leaders, workers at all levels, well-wishers, and the people of Bangladesh on this significant occasion.

This year, the party has decided to commemorate the founding anniversary on a limited scale due to the recent floods affecting various parts of the country. In a gesture of solidarity, BNP aims to express sympathy and support for the flood-affected communities during this time.

To mark the anniversary, party leaders and activists will pay tribute at the mausoleum of BNP founder and former president, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, at 11 a.m. on Sunday. From early morning, BNP members and affiliates have been arriving at the shrine premises at Zia Udyan in Dhaka to pay their respects.

On the eve of the anniversary, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced a scaled-down program due to the ongoing flood situation. The traditional six-day event has been reduced to a more subdued observance on the anniversary day itself, September 1.

The program includes hoisting the party flag at various BNP offices across the country, including the central office, and paying homage at Ziaur Rahman's shrine. There will also be prayers (Doa Mahfil) for those who lost their lives in recent movements, as well as for the health recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and for Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman to safely return to Bangladesh.

The BNP was founded by Ziaur Rahman on September 1, 1978, as a united platform for Bangladeshi nationalists. Since its inception, the party has played a significant role in the country's political landscape, winning several key elections, including the presidential elections in 1979 and 1981 and the general elections in 1991, 1996, and 2001.

With its rich history and substantial influence in Bangladesh's politics, the BNP continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the country's future amidst changing political dynamics.