Dhaka: BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday emphasized the resilience of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) popularity despite facing significant challenges. Rizvi stated that the party's approval rating continues to hover around 55 percent, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman enjoys even higher personal popularity, estimated at 65 to 66 percent.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rizvi delivered these remarks after paying tribute to BNP founder and former president Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. The homage took place at their graves in Zia Udyan, located in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area, where he was accompanied by party leaders and activists. This visit followed his recent appointment as the acting secretary general of BNP.
Rizvi outlined his primary responsibility as ensuring the party's operations are conducted in an organized and coordinated manner. He stressed the importance of adhering to the organizational activities as directed by the party chairman. The acting secretary general also highlighted that the BNP's programs are designed to serve public interests, promote human welfare, ensure social protection, and foster infrastructure development.
In his address, Rizvi urged party members to support the effective implementation of these programs and to communicate the government's initiatives to the public. He also cautioned against unethical behavior, emphasizing that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has taken strict actions against any misconduct associated with the party since August 5.
Rizvi reiterated the importance of maintaining a connection with the populace to prevent unethical intentions from taking root. He assured that accountability is central to executing every government program and reaffirmed that BNP's activities align with public interests.
Reflecting on BNP's historical popularity, Rizvi credited the public welfare initiatives of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, such as women's empowerment and economic development, for boosting the party's standing. He noted that Tarique Rahman is continuing these efforts with new programs that have been well-received by the public, and he called on party members to collaborate in their implementation.
Addressing the potential for unethical behavior within the organization, Rizvi warned that such actions would not be tolerated, urging all to focus on constructive efforts to reinforce the party's strength. He encouraged party leaders and activists to act as representatives of the people.
Regarding the upcoming local government elections, Rizvi stated that party leaders at various levels would thoroughly assess matters to support qualified candidates in the Union Parishad elections, which would be conducted without party symbols. He expressed confidence that party-backed candidates would secure election wins with the support of BNP members and supporters.
The homage event was attended by notable figures including Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and BNP chairman's advisory council member Abdus Salam, Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Youth and Sports State Minister and BNP Dhaka North City unit convener Aminul Haque, BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib, along with leaders and activists from BNP's Dhaka North and South city units.