Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today greeted leaders, activists, supporters, and well-wishers of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on the occasion of the party’s 48th founding anniversary. In a message this afternoon, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant role BNP has played in restoring and strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. He recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman founded BNP on August 31, 1978, in Ramna, Dhaka, following his restoration of democracy and the rights of banned political parties.
Premier Tarique Rahman paid deep respect to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, describing him as the Great Proclaimer of Independence, a successful statesman, and architect of modern Bangladesh. He also remembered former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, acknowledging her charismatic leadership and the role she played in bringing BNP closer to the people across the country.
The Prime Minister emphasized that whenever independence, sovereignty, and democracy have come under threat, BNP leaders, activists, supporters, and well-wishers have made supreme sacrifices alongside the pro-democracy people. He paid tribute to BNP leaders and activists for their sacrifices in the struggle for democracy and good governance.
Tarique Rahman noted that BNP, alongside the people, has played and continues to play the role of a vigilant guardian in protecting the country’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy. He mentioned that BNP had been given the opportunity to run the state whenever people were able to exercise their voting rights through free and fair elections.
Highlighting various initiatives undertaken by BNP governments to strengthen and institutionalize democracy, including the restoration of parliamentary democracy and expansion of women’s education, the Prime Minister said that after more than 15 years of “fascist rule and exploitation,” the people had again entrusted BNP with running the state through free, fair, and impartial polls. He expressed BNP’s commitment to reciprocating the people’s trust and love by establishing an accountable state and working to build Bangladesh as a welfare-oriented country.
The Prime Minister concluded by stating that the people who believe in democracy are the source of all political power of BNP. He added that BNP’s other name is the struggle to build a welfare-oriented, democratic, and self-reliant Bangladesh. This recognition of BNP’s historical and ongoing contributions underscores the party’s significant role in the democratic and political landscape of Bangladesh.
