BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday voiced optimism that Bangladesh will become a democratic, happy, and prosperous country under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“People across the country are very hopeful and have strong confidence in Tarique Rahman. Under his leadership, we believe that Bangladesh will surely become a democratic, happy, and prosperous country,” he said.

Fakhrul, who is also the LGRD and Cooperatives Minister, made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the 56th Independence and National Day.

He extended greetings to  people on behalf of BNP on the occasion of Independence Day.

Fakhrul said this year’s Independence Day is being observed in a different context, recalling what he described as a long period of political struggle.

“Despite repression and hardships, people continued their movement, and the July mass uprising created an opportunity to rebuild a democratic system,” Fakhrul said.

He said Tarique Rahman, who led the party from abroad for years, is now working to rebuild the country with a fresh vision after forming the government. “He has already taken Bangladesh a long way forward under his leadership in just one month.”

The BNP leader mentioned several initiatives taken by the government, including the introduction of family cards, allowances for imams and religious leaders, canal excavation programmes, and interest waivers for marginal farmers.

At the beginning of his speech, Fakhrul paid deep respect to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, who, by declaring independence, inspired the people of Bangladesh to take part in the Liberation War.

He said Ziaur Rahman led the patriotic armed forces alongside the people of Bangladesh through nine months of battle to secure the country’s independence.

On behalf of BNP, Fakhrul also paid homage to all those who were martyred in the Liberation War, as well as those who suffered and were injured, during the war.

He also remembered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her contributions to democracy and paid profound tribute to her.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute at the graves as head of government and later as BNP Chairman, accompanied by senior party leaders.

They later joined a munajat seeking salvation for the departed souls of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, as well as for the wellbeing of the country and its people.