“We’re going through a tough time due to the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic and a plot by the current ‘fascist’ regime to destroy all the achievements of the nation. We must put up a resistance against it and overcome the current adverse situation through forging national unity,” he said.
Speaking at a virtual discussion, he also called upon all, irrespective of their political identities and opinions, to get united for the sake of democracy and betterment of the nation.
BNP arranged the discussion, marking the 85th birth anniversary of its founder Ziaur Rahman.
Describing Zia as the 'bright star' of multi-party democracy, Fakhrul urged BNP leaders and activists to move forward following the ideal and directives of their party founder.
Also read: Zia's 85th birth anniversary observed
“Ziaur Rahman is always a glittering star for us to follow and move forward in ensuring people’s freedom, press freedom, introducing multi-party democracy and removing one-party Baksal rule. The observance of Zia’s birthday will be successful if we can follow the way he showed us,” he said.
Fakhrul said Zia also showed the nation how to overcome an adverse situation like 1975 one and build the nation. “We’ll be able to restore democracy, free Khaleda Zia and build a happy prosperous, democratic and enlightened Bangladesh by following his directives.”
BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said Awami League is distorting history and carrying out false campaigns to belittle Zia out of jealousy.
"Ziaur Rahman succeeded in all the areas, including declaring the independence and building the nation, where Awami League had failed. That’s why they’re afraid of Ziaur Rahman, his family and BNP established by him,” he observed.
Mosharraf said Zia introduced multi-party democracy and his wife Khaleda Zia restored it through a long-struggle in the 90s while Awami League repeatedly destroyed democracy.
He alleged that the ruling party hatched various plots to destroy, divide and weaken BNP, but failed as it is the party of mass people.
Also read: BNP pays homage to Zia on 85th birth anniversary
The BNP leader said their party will try to present the true history of the Liberation War before the new generation by observing the Golden Jubilee of Independence with various programmes throughout the year.
Ziaur Rahman was born on January 19, 1936 at Bagbari in Bogura. He founded BNP in 1978 and became the country’s seventh President. Zia was assassinated by a group of army officers at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981.