Diploma Engineers Association Bangladesh (DEAB) on Monday pledged to remain vigilant in protecting the rights and professional interests of professionals and implementing the goals and objectives of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

DEAB leaders made the remarks while paying homage at the graves of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on the occasion of the party’s 48th founding anniversary.

DEAB Member Secretary Engineer Kazi Sakhawat Hossain, Joint Convener Engineer Md Sakhawat Hossain, members Engineer Selimur Rahman Selim, Engineer Md Ashraful Hossain Shakil, Engineer Md Russell and Engineer Md Saikat, among other leaders of the organisation, were present during the tribute.

The DEAB leaders said the BNP had led relentless movements with immense courage during periods of severe national crisis and oppressive rule, despite enduring persecution and repression.

They said BNP leaders and activists faced imprisonment, persecution, killings and torture in various ways, while diploma engineers stood beside the party during its difficult times and participated in movements and struggles.

They said diploma engineers had taken part in street processions alongside professionals and continued to remain vigilant to protect the freedom and rights of engineers.

“We will remain vigilant in the future as well and continue to work as a beacon for the development of professionals,” the leaders said.

They further said the 19-point programme formulated by BNP founder Shaheed Ziaur Rahman at the time of the party’s establishment remains the foundation of its political, social, economic and cultural activities.

“Based on that foundation, diploma engineers will work tirelessly to implement the 31-point programme of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman,” they said.