Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday stated that a discrimination-free, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh will be built in accordance with the core aspirations of the 5 August 2024 student-people uprising, inspired by the ideals of the late President Ziaur Rahman.
Speaking to journalists after paying floral tributes and visiting the grave of former President Ziaur Rahman on his 45th martyrdom anniversary at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, the minister emphasised that the foundation of the country’s democracy would be further strengthened by the spirit of the July uprising. He called upon all citizens to work unitedly in the task of nation-building.
The home minister described the day as a deeply somber and memorable occasion for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the general public. He remarked that martyr President Ziaur Rahman played a unique role until his death as an ever-vigilant sentinel of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and progress.
Ahmed noted that Ziaur Rahman’s historic rise followed his declaration of independence in 1971, and he eventually embraced martyrdom while protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
“The path shown by martyr President Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia is the primary address for Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy,” the Minister stated, adding that the party has transformed its profound grief into strength.
Ahmed further highlighted that Ziaur Rahman established a bedrock of unity among the people to lead the nation toward prosperity. He reaffirmed that the BNP, founded by Ziaur Rahman, continues to practice politics based on the ideals of multi-party democracy and Bangladeshi nationalism.
Reiterating the current democratic government’s commitment, the home minister asserted that Bangladesh would be governed through a fully democratic process for as long as it exists. He pledged that the country’s democratic base would be made more robust and powerful in the light of the spirit of the 5 August student-mass uprising.
During the visit, the Minister also paid tribute to former BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, acknowledging her immense struggle and sacrifice for the country’s democracy. He stated that prayers were offered for the salvation of the souls of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, as well as for the overall welfare of the country, noting that the occasion serves as a renewed inspiration for serving the nation and its people.
