Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Adviser and Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin has asserted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has consistently championed freedom of speech throughout the nation’s history. Mahdi made these remarks on Monday while addressing a discussion organized as part of the nine-day Zia Smriti Book Fair 2026 at the Bangla Academy premises.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Mahdi highlighted that the BNP has been pivotal in ensuring freedom of speech at every stage of the country’s development. The event was organized by Zia Smriti Pathagar to commemorate the 48th founding anniversary of the BNP, which began on September 3. Mahdi praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for leading a Bangladesh that enjoys unprecedented human rights, rule of law, and freedom of speech.
However, Mahdi also criticized a particular political group for allegedly misusing freedom of speech to propagate falsehoods and smear campaigns. He condemned the use of indecent and uncivilized language, warning that the law would take necessary action against such violations. Mahdi emphasized that the BNP has historically been a pioneer of reforms in Bangladesh, citing the late President Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point programme as a comprehensive blueprint for state reforms.
He further elaborated that the journey towards a prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh continues under Khaleda Zia’s ‘Vision 2030’ and the strategic programmes set forth by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The discussion also featured speeches from Food Minister Afroza Khanam, Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MP, and Mahmuda Habiba, MP, among others. The event was chaired by BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince.