Zia’s 89th birth anniv observed: Avoid missteps, intruders
Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to avoid wrongdoing and refrain from sheltering intruders, warning that any mistakes could provoke public backlash similar to the events of August 5.
Speaking virtually at a discussion on Sunday (19 January), Tarique emphasised the importance of accountability and fair elections to ensure good governance and alleviate public suffering.
“The government’s accountability must be ensured through timely elections at every level-from parliament to union parishads. Only then can we reflect the people’s will and desires in governance,” he said.
Tarique also urged party members to remain vigilant and disciplined, highlighting the need to rebuild public trust and avoid actions that could harm the party’s image.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said it is entirely feasible to hold national elections in July or August, and that reforms will continue alongside the electoral process. He emphasized that the government formed after the elections would carry forward these reforms.
Fakhrul made the comments after paying tribute at the grave of former president Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, on January 19, the 89th anniversary of Zia’s birth. He added, “Our party affirms that we will advance every reform. Additionally, there are no obstacles to carrying out both reforms and elections simultaneously.”
He also mentioned that the chief adviser of the interim
government should promptly engage in discussions and finalize decisions based on the reports from reform commissions, in consultation with political parties.
Reflecting on Ziaur Rahman’s legacy, Fakhrul said, “President Zia came to power through the Sipahi-Janata Revolution. During his leadership, he initiated significant reforms across various sectors to build a modern and prosperous Bangladesh.
One of his key reforms was transitioning the nation from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy. He also introduced free-market economic policies that helped revitalize the stagnant economy, and under his leadership, revolutions in agriculture and industry took place.”
Fakhrul also highlighted the founding of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) by Ziaur Rahman, stating, “Zia was the founder of BNP, and despite facing many challenges, the party has grown to become the largest political party in Bangladesh.”
He added, “After Zia, his successor Khaleda Zia took over the leadership, further strengthening and organizing the party. She is currently undergoing treatment in London, and we all pray for her speedy recovery. Her capable successor, her son Tarique Rahman, now serves as the acting chairman, providing new leadership in the struggle for a Bangladesh free from Hasina’s authoritarianism.”
The BNP paid tribute to its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of his 89th birth anniversary. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists, led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed wreaths at Zia’s grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar around 11:15 am. They also offered Surah Fateha and held a special prayer (munajat) for the salvation of Zia’s soul.
Among those present were BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan, members of the Chairperson’s Advisory Council Amanullah Aman, Zainul Abedin Farroque, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, central leaders Khairul Kabir Khokon, Abdus Salam, Kamruzzaman Ratan, Mir Sarafat Ali, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Saiful Alam Nirab, Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Amirulzzaman Khan Shimul, Dhaka North City Unit President Aminul Haque, and Dhaka South City Unit President Rafiqul Alam Mojnu, along with leaders and activists from various BNP units and associate bodies.
