Democratic, prosperous Bangladesh to be built under Tarique Rahman’s leadership: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today vowed that a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh would be built under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “People of the whole country are very optimistic and confident about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and under his leadership, Bangladesh will definitely become a democratic, happy, prosperous Bangladesh,” he said. “We all have this belief. Today, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the country’s people on behalf of our party,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul, also the local government, rural development and cooperatives minister, made the remarks after paying homage at the graves of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar this morning. 

He said, “Today, we are going to celebrate the Independence Day in a completely different context. During the long 15/16 years of fascist rule in Bangladesh, when democracy was destroyed and the independence was in danger, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party fought and struggled along with the people.” The minister said false cases were filed against nearly 60 lakh people, about 20,000 BNP leaders and activists were killed and nearly 1,700 leaders and activists were victims of enforced disappearances.

He said the people of Bangladesh continued to fight despite all the oppression and persecution, and finally, through the July uprising, Bangladesh created an opportunity to create a new democratic system. Fakhrul said by forming the government after the election, Tarique Rahman has been engaged in the work of nation building with his completely new thinking. “In just one month, Bangladesh has come a long way under his leadership.” He mentioned the government's family card programme, monthly allowances for imams and muezzins, canal digging programme, and interest waiver of up to Taka 10,000 for marginal farmers.

At the onset of his speech, the BNP secretary general remembered Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman who inspired the people of Bangladesh to join the liberation war by declaring independence and fought on the battlefield during the nine-month long liberation war. Besides, he remembered former BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He also recalled with due respect those who were martyred in this liberation war.

Earlier, the Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman laid wreaths at the graves of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Later, he placed wreaths on the graves on behalf of the party. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul and its standing committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasur Mahmud Chowdhury, Salah Uddin Ahmed and Professor AZM Zahid Hossain were present, among others. Later, they participated in a munazat.