Thousands of people today (Saturday) paid homage to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman at his graveyard at Zia Udyan in the city on his 45th martyrdom anniversary.

Since early morning, leaders and workers of BNP and its associate bodies, supporters and people from different parts of the country began arriving at the memorial site.

Some carried flowers; others held party flags, while many came simply to pay their respects to their beloved leader.

With the passing of time the entire area from Bijoy Sarani to Zia Udyan tuned into a human sea.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at the mausoleum at 11 am and paid tribute by placing a floral wreath on the grave of Shaheed Zia. He offered prayers for the salvation of the departed soul. His presence evoked visible emotion among the thousands gathered at the site.

A visit to the area showed that leaders and activists of Dhaka North and South BNP, along with Jubo Dal, Swechasebak Dal, Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Sramik Dal, Tanti Dal and various unit and ward-level organisations, came with banners, festoons and party flags to pay homage at the grave of their leader.

The surroundings of Zia Udyan echoed with slogans throughout the day. Beyond the formalities of a political programme, the most striking feature was the deep emotional attachment people expressed toward the late leader.

Many stood silently holding flowers, gazing at the grave as if searching for a familiar face from history. Some offered prayers. The scene reflected that public affection and respect for Shaheed Zia remain undiminished despite the passage of time.

A veteran supporter told BSS, “We have not come merely to remember a political leader. We have come to pay tribute to the man who inspired the nation in times of crisis, restored confidence among the people and dreamed of taking Bangladesh forward.”

BNP leader Robin Hassan told BSS, “The ideals, patriotism, honesty and dedication of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman continue to guide us. The example he set by practicing politics for the welfare of the people will inspire generations to come.”

Shamsul Arefin, Member Secretary of Jagannath University Chhatra Dal, told BSS, “The huge gathering at Zia Udyan today proves that Shaheed Ziaur Rahman is not merely a name in history; he remains the heartbeat of millions. The younger generation is also embracing his ideals.”

A leader of Dhaka University Chhatra Dal told BSS that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman occupies a unique place in the history of Bangladesh.

From a courageous freedom fighter on the battlefield to a statesman, his life exemplified patriotism, honesty, dedication and sacrifice.

His role in rebuilding war-ravaged Bangladesh after independence, his initiatives to establish multi-party democracy, and his vision of a production-oriented economy and a self-reliant state remain significant chapters in the country’s political history.

Security measures in and around Zia Udyan were strengthened on the occasion of the Prime Minister’s visit. Members of the law enforcement agencies were seen maintaining a high level of vigilance. Despite the security arrangements, public participation remained spontaneous and remarkable.