Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday warned party leaders and activists that a difficult and important time lies ahead, and called for their support in implementing the party’s election manifesto to make the government successful.
Addressing a discussion at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate, Dhaka, marking the 45th death anniversary of party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique Rahman said, “A very difficult time lies ahead of us. If we let this crucial period pass lightly, it will cause a great loss not for any individual, but for the country and future generations.”
He emphasised the importance of working together to build the nation along the vision of Ziaur Rahman. “We must run the country in line with that vision,” he added, highlighting that the BNP’s election manifesto reflects Zia’s goals for a self-reliant Bangladesh.
Tarique Rahman noted that the people endorsed the manifesto in the 12 February election and it is now the government’s responsibility to implement it.
“Our 214 MPs and 50 cabinet members cannot make these programmes successful alone. Success requires the support of party workers at every level, helping to implement initiatives at the grassroots,” he said.
Referring to Ziaur Rahman’s contributions, the PM highlighted that many manifesto programmes, including canal excavation, expansion of education, promotion of industrialisation, creation of employment opportunities, and revival of closed factories, were inspired by the former President’s initiatives.
He urged all party leaders and activists, even those not holding elected office, to maintain organisational discipline and contribute to the government’s success.
“People have given their verdict in favour of our manifesto. Let us work together to implement it and honour Shaheed Zia,” he said.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, presiding over the programme, described Ziaur Rahman as a “lighthouse” who introduced major political and economic reforms and laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s development. He urged party members to draw inspiration from Zia’s vision.
The discussion was moderated by BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku, with addresses by Senior Committee members, leaders from Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, and local party officials, as well as academics including Prof Mahbub Ullah, Prof Mamun Ahmed, Prof Md Lutfor Rahman, and Prof Dil Rowshan Zinnat Ara Nazneen.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a munajat for Ziaur Rahman’s soul and a minute of silence in his memory.
