Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its associate bodies have chalked out various programmes to observe the 81st birth anniversary of its founder Ziaur Rahman on Thursday.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday announced the programmes at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.

To mark the day, he said, their party will arrange a discussion at Mohanagar Natyamancha in the city on Wednesday afternoon.

Besides, the party flag will be hoisted atop its all offices across the country, including Nayapaltan central office on Thursday morning.

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, the widow of the party founder, along with party leaders and activists will place wreaths at Zia's grave around 10am the same day paying homage to him on the occasion.

BNP’s associate bodies will also hold discussions on different days gradually from January 21 to mark the day.

BNP’s different city, district, upazila and thana units will also mark the day with various programmes, including milad mahfil, discussions and essay competitions.

Born on January 19, 1936 at Bagbari in Bogra, Ziaur Rahman founded BNP in 1978 and become the country's 7th president.