Khulna:Leaders of the Khulna city and district units of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have declared their commitment to resist all conspiracies against the country, drawing inspiration from the spirit of November 7. They emphasized the importance of upholding the ideals of independence, sovereignty, democracy, and national unity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BNP leaders highlighted the significant role played by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in establishing freedom of expression, multiparty democracy, and political rights in Bangladesh. They noted that his family continues to inspire the people with courage and strength in their struggle for democracy and people's rights.
The remarks were made during a pre-procession rally organized by the Khulna city and district BNP at the Zia Hall premises in the city, marking the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day. The leaders stated that throughout Bangladesh's history, whenever democracy, independence, and sovereignty were threatened, the people united to resist such threats, with the events of November 7, 1975, being a pivotal moment of collective resistance.
Speakers at the rally alleged that various forces are conspiring to disrupt the country's democratic progress, asserting that no conspiracy could succeed against the unity, political awareness, and democratic values of the people. The rally, presided over by Khulna city BNP President and Khulna Development Authority Chairman Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, underscored the significance of November 7, 1975, in Bangladesh's political history.
Tributes were paid to Ziaur Rahman, recognized as the proclaimer of independence and a sector commander during the Liberation War. The leaders recalled the joint uprising of soldiers and civilians during a period of political and military uncertainty, which brought significant changes to the country's political direction. They also acknowledged Ziaur Rahman's role in promoting multiparty democracy, press freedom, and people's political rights.
The speakers emphasized that democracy is fundamental to ensuring people's basic rights, freedom of expression, and voting rights. They asserted that genuine democracy is impossible without an elected government, independent media, the rule of law, and political tolerance.
The BNP leaders expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the country's democratic journey, economic development, and national unity would be further strengthened. They also praised the role of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in the struggle for democracy and people's rights, describing her as unwavering in her political commitment.
Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Khulna WASA Chairman and freedom fighter Moniruzzaman Moni, district BNP Convener Moniruzzaman Montu, city BNP General Secretary and BCB Director Shafiqul Alam Tuhin, former lawmaker Syeda Nargis Ali, Begum Rehana Isa, Chowdhury Hasanur Rashid Miraj, and Shamim Kabir, among others, addressed the rally. The program was conducted by District BNP Acting Member Secretary and Khulna District Council Administrator Monirul Hasan Bappi.
Following the rally, a colourful procession began from the Zia Hall premises, concluding at Royal intersection after parading through the city streets, including KDA Avenue. Thousands of leaders and activists from the city and district BNP units and their affiliated organizations, including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Mohila Dal, joined the procession carrying national and party flags, banners, and festoons.