Dinajpur: Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain stated that Bangladesh experienced notable development and progress during the tenures of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organized by the District BNP on the party’s 48th founding anniversary at the Institute Ground premises in Dinajpur town, Dr Zahid emphasized the role of BNP leadership in fostering national growth.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Zahid highlighted the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, crediting him with advancing development across all levels in the country. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing services to all citizens, irrespective of religion or caste. During his speech, Dr Zahid reflected on the sacrifices made by leaders and activists over the past 19 years, acknowledging the victims of enforced disappearances and murders, as well as those who suffered during the independence war and political movements.
Dr Zahid paid tribute to BNP’s founder, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, for his role in the war of independence and his contributions to state governance. He recalled the establishment of BNP on September 1, 1978, by Ziaur Rahman in Ramna Batamul, Dhaka, and his efforts to restore democracy in the wake of the one-party ‘Baksal’ system. Dr Zahid praised Ziaur Rahman as a successful statesman and architect of modern Bangladesh, acknowledging his efforts to empower banned political parties.
The minister also remembered the late BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her leadership and influence in spreading BNP’s presence throughout Bangladesh. He asserted that the BNP’s commitment to democracy and economic prosperity has established it as the most popular political party in the country. Dr Zahid criticized the previous Awami League government for the electricity crisis and vowed to resolve it soon. He also addressed concerns about a potential artificial fertilizer crisis, emphasizing the government’s efforts to prevent such issues.
The event, chaired by District BNP President Advocate Md Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, featured speeches from Dinajpur-1 Constituency MP Md Manjurul Islam, District BNP Senior Vice-president Md Mokarram Hossain, Vice-president Khalequzzaman Babu, and other prominent leaders. A colorful procession, which circled the town’s main roads, preceded the discussion.