The 42nd death anniversary of Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, former chief of the Bangladesh Navy and former minister for communications and agriculture, will be observed on Thursday.

Elaborate programmes have been chalked out to observe the day with due respect, both at home and abroad, said a press release.

The day’s programmes will begin with the placing of floral wreaths at his grave, where Quran Khatam, Khawani and special prayers will be held. His grave is beside his favourite Naval Headquarters.

On August 6, 42 years ago, Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, also the father-in-law of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, sacrificed his life while serving the nation.

The Bangladesh Navy will pay tribute to him by laying a floral wreath at his grave in the morning.

Food will also be distributed among underprivileged people, while special doa mahfils and prayers will be held after Zohr prayers at naval mosques across the country for the eternal peace of his departed soul.

Quran Khatam, Quran Khawani, doa mahfils and special prayers will also be held at Mahbub Bhaban in the capital. Begum Mahbub Ali Khan has requested all well-wishers to pray for the deceased.

A doa mahfil and special prayers will also be organised at SUROVI, a charitable organisation for underprivileged children founded by Begum Mahbub Ali Khan in 1979.

Quran Khatam, Quran Khawani and doa mahfils will be held at several madrasahs and orphanages in Dhaka, including Jamia Qurbania Talimia Women's Madrasah and Orphanage at Bawniabad, Jamia Qurbania Arabia Madrasah and Orphanage at Bhashantek, and Sanmandi Khan Bari Daryl Quran Hafizia Madrasa and Orphanage in Sonargaon.

Special prayers have also been arranged at numerous mosques in Dhaka, including the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

The anniversary will also be observed in his birthplace, Sylhet, with doa mahfils, remembrance meetings, Quran Khawani and food distribution. Similar programmes have been arranged in Bogura and Jamalpur.

Overseas, commemorative programmes, including Quran Khatam, doa mahfils and special prayers, will be held in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Singapore and the Maldives.