Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have called on party activists to follow the ethics and principles in their personal lives if they wish to contribute in national politics.
Speaking at a memorial meeting, marking the 26th death anniversary of former BNP Secretary General Abdus Salam Talukder, senior BNP leaders emphasised the importance of honesty, discipline, and ideological commitment in political life.
The meeting, organised by the Barrister Abdus Salam Smriti Sangsad, was held at the Institute of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail of the capital on Tuesday.
They urged the party men, “If you want to do positive politics, don’t engage in actions that go against ethics and party principles. You must stay on the right path.” They also noted that BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman continues to provide regular guidance on this matter, which all activists are encouraged to follow.
BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moin Khan highlighted the contributions of Abdus Salam Talukder, especially during the 1980s movement against military regime. “Salam Talukder played an outstanding role in restoring democracy and always stood by Begum Khaleda Zia during critical times,” he said. “It was a blessing for the BNP to have a leader like him.”
Nazrul Islam Khan another Standing Committee member of the party remembered Talukder for his simplicity. “Even as a minister, he led a very simple life. He would sit on the floor with party workers. People should draw inspiration from such examples and engaged in politics accordingly,” he said.
Amanullah Aman, former DUCSU Vice President and adviser to the BNP Chairperson, shared his personal memories of working under Talukder’s leadership.
Aman recalled, “Before the 1990 DUCSU election, we were attacked by the then regime. Salam Talukder guided us, and we achieved victory”. Aman credited Talukder with playing a key role in his early political success.
BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie praised Talukder’s role during the 1990 mass uprising that led to the fall of Ershad’s regime. “He also played a notable role in the formation of the BNP government under Khaleda Zia,” Annie said.
Talukder’s wife, Mahmuda Salam Talukder, expressing her hopes said that their daughter would serve the nation with similar dedication. “I hope you all pray for her,” she said.
BNP National Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former Cabinet Secretary ASM Abdul Halim, BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku, former MP Nilofar Chowdhury Moni, and Talukder’s daughter Salima Begum Aduri also spoke in the meeting, among others.
The event concluded with a prayer session for the peace of the departed soul of Talukder.