The government as well as socio-cultural and religious organisations observed the day by holding doa and milad mahfil, seminar and discussion meetings.

A milad mahfil was held at Bangabhaban in the afternoon. President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar, Chief Justice Md Ruhul Amin, former presidents, deputy speaker, former chief advisers and advisers, judges of the Supreme Court, election commissioners and high civil and military officials were present at the mahfil.

Thousands of devotees, carrying banners inscribed with 'KalemaTaiyeba', joined the processions brought by religious organisations.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs arranged cultural programmes in cultural and educational institutions while the Islamic Foundation held meetings, and seminars.

The day was a public holiday.

Immediate past prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia visited the grave of president Ziaur Rahman on the day.

She prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Ziaur Rahman and peace, progress and prosperity of the country and Muslim Ummah.

BNP senior leader Abdul Matin Chowdhury, Brigadier General (retd) Hannan Shah, Nazrul Islam Khan were, among others, present.