But the party celebrated the anniversary in a simple manner as per an early decision to express sympathy for flood victims.

On this day in 1978, late president Ziaur Rahman instituted BNP with an objective to strengthen multi-party democracy, introduce the politics of production and development and bring a new dimension in country's politics.

The day's programmes began with hoisting of the party flag at the central office in Naya Paltan in the morning.

BNP Chairperson Prime Minister Khaleda Zia along with senior party leaders, cabinet colleagues and top leaders of the front organisations placed wreaths at the mazar of late Zia in the morning to pay homage to the founder of the BNP.

Top BNP leaders including M Saifur Rahman, Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Abdul Matin Chowdhury, Oli Ahmed, Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moudud Ahmed, KM Obaidur Rahman, Tariqul Islam, Mirza Abbas and Sadeque Hossain Khoka were present.

Khaleda first laid a wreath at the mazar as the prime minister and then on behalf of her party. A prayer was offered at the mazar seeking divine blessings for the late president and peace and progress of the country and welfare of its people.

The leaders and workers of BNP and its front organisations followed the prime minister to pay homage.

Senior ministers and BNP leaders and activists later went on a cleanliness drive in different parts of the city. BNP also distributed saplings among the people.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Environment Minister Tariqul Islam, Health Minister Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Law Minister Moudud Ahmed, Communications Minister Nazmul Huda, Jute and Textile Ministers Shajahan Siraj, DCC Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, DCC ward commissioners and BNP activists launched the cleanliness drive in Sutrapur, Kotwali, Demra, Sabujbag, Khilgaon, Ramna, Tejgaon, Mirpur, Badda and Lalbag thanas.

BNP holds a discussion meeting at 4:00pm today at Mahanagar Natya Mancha. Khaleda will attend the function as chief guest.