On this day in 1981, Zia was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army personnel at Chittagong Circuit House.

Acting President Jamiruddin Sircar has paid rich tribute to the memory of the late president.

In a message yesterday, the acting president recalled the contributions of Zia to the War of Independence.

He said proclamation of the independence of the country by Ziaur Rahman in 1971 inspired the people from all walks of life to join the Liberation War.

"Patriotism, honesty and moral strength of the late president were unmatched," he said.

The acting president said the late leader had established multiparty democracy, freed the press from the "authoritarian" rule and ensured freedom of expression.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its front organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the death anniversary of its founder, also a valiant freedom fighter.

National and party flags will be hoisted at half-mast and black flag atop all the offices of the BNP and its front organisations.

BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and leaders and workers of the party and its front organisations will wear black badges, place wreaths at the grave of Zia and offer fateha there.

The other programmes of the day include, qurankhwani, milad mahfil, feeding the destitute and special prayers at all places of worship.

The prime minister will also distribute food among the destitute at different places in the city.