BNP, which returned to power after nearly two decades, marked its 48th founding anniversary on Tuesday with a series of colourful programmes, with party leaders pledging to retain public trust through people-oriented work.
At the central level as well as in different districts and metropolitan units, the party organised discussion meetings, processions, doa mahfils, tree-planting drives and fish-release programmes.
The day’s programmes began at dawn with the hoisting of the national and party flags at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, the chairman’s office in Gulshan and other party offices.
Later, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman paid floral tributes at the graves of the party’s founder late president Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former prime minister and former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
He was accompanied at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar by members of the BNP standing committee, central leaders and a large number of leaders and activists of affiliated organisations.
After paying tribute at his parents’ graves, Tarique recited the Fateha and joined prayers seeking the salvation of their souls.
He later planted a tree sapling at Ziaur Rahman’s grave and released fish fry into the lake at Zia Udyan. After the prime minister’s security cordon was withdrawn, a large number of party leaders, activists and supporters gathered at the grave premises.
Leaders and activists of various BNP-affiliated organisations, including Dhaka Metropolitan BNP North and South, Jubo Dal, Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal, Muktijoddha Dal, Krishak Dal, Mahila Dal, Tanti Dal, Matsyajeebi Dal, Doctors Association of Bangladesh, Agriculturists Association of Bangladesh, Chhatra Dal and Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha, also paid tribute at the grave.
Retaining public trust biggest challenge: Rizvi
After paying tribute, BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the party’s biggest challenge now was to retain public trust and popularity.
“After 17 years of political adversity and movements and struggles, BNP has come to power through the votes of the people. Now the biggest challenge for the party and the government is to retain public trust and popularity,” he said.
“For this, the expectations of the people must be fulfilled, electoral promises must be implemented and close engagement with the people must be maintained.”
Rizvi said president Ziaur Rahman founded BNP with the goals of protecting independence and sovereignty, establishing multi-party democracy, and promoting development, production and self-reliance.
He also highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to education, culture, foreign policy and the economy.
Referring to Khaleda Zia’s political struggle, Rizvi said she had led the party and the country despite facing persecution and repression and had never retreated from her political position.
Regarding the current government, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was working to fulfil the commitments made to the people.
48 years of political journey
Ziaur Rahman announced the formation of BNP on 1 September 1978 at Ramna Maidan in Dhaka. AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury was the party’s first secretary general.
After its formation, BNP advanced its organisational activities with its 19-point programme, promoting development- and production-oriented politics.
Following Ziaur Rahman’s assassination in 1981, Justice Abdus Sattar took over the party’s leadership. Khaleda Zia later assumed the leadership.
Over its 48-year political journey, BNP has governed the country several times. After nearly two decades, the party is once again in power, with its chairman Tarique Rahman serving as prime minister.
