DHAKA: Opposition BNP took ex-premier Khaleda Zia`s birthday on the 15th of August as “very significant” this time around because of the `save-the-country` movement they have waged against the present Awami League government.

Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament Jainul Abdin Farruk made the remark Sunday as BNP celebrated the party chief’s birth anniversary with more elaborate ceremonies than before despite calls from the governing-party circles for a halt, as it coincides with the National Mourning Day.

The National Mourning Day was observed Sunday (August 15) commemorating the assassination of country’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with most members of his family.

Jainul Abdin Farruk disclosed the party’s stand while speaking at an iftar party and prayer session, criticizing the comments of the ruling Awami League leaders against the celebration of Khaleda’s birthday on August 15.

Zia Sangskritik Sangathan (JISAS) organized the party marking the 66th birth anniversary of Khaleda Zia at a restaurant in the city.

He said it is very normal to have birthdays and death days of different persons on the same day.

The opposition chief whip said that the AL leaders are asking them not to celebrate the birthday of Khaleda Zia, "but we consider it as a `very significant event` in the context of ‘save-the-country movement`.”

He also criticized AL for all its accords and treaties signed with India.

BNP central organizing secretary Fazlul Haque Milon, among others, spoke at the programme with JISAS chairman Abul Hashem Rana in the chair.

BDST: 2036 HRS. AUGUST 15, 2010