Dhaka: BNP senior joint secretary general and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today highlighted the pivotal role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in guiding Bangladesh through crucial moments in its history. Rizvi emphasized Rahman’s contributions during a food distribution program near the High Court, commemorating the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the BNP founder.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi underscored Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram in 1971 as a defining moment that mobilized students, workers, and ordinary citizens to join the Liberation War. Rizvi accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the previous Awami League government of attempting to distort the history of independence and diminish Rahman’s legacy.
Rizvi also addressed the imprisonment of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, attributing it to political vendetta. He criticized the period between 1972 and 1975 for the erosion of democracy, during which he claimed all political parties and media were suppressed. Rizvi praised Ziaur Rahman’s efforts in restoring multi-party democracy and fostering political inclusivity.
Rizvi credited Rahman with advancing Bangladesh’s war-torn economy towards self-reliance through agricultural development, canal excavation, employment creation, and economic expansion. He cited Rahman’s firm stance on the Farakka Barrage issue, highlighting his efforts to secure Bangladesh’s fair share of Padma River water and protect national water resources.
Rizvi reiterated that Rahman’s foreign policy, encapsulated by the principle “Friendship with all, subservience to none,” prioritized national interests. He also noted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s initiatives, such as the Family Card, Farmers Card, and Health Card, as part of swift electoral pledge fulfillment aimed at benefiting poor and rural communities.
The event was attended by BNP Legal Affairs Secretary Advocate M. Badruddoza Badal, Attorney General Advocate Ruhul Quddus Kajal, BNP Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, BNP Central Executive Committee Member Advocate Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajal, and Dhaka Bar Association President Md. Anwar Zahid Bhuiyan, among others.