BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the party will move forward following the path shown by its founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

In a statement issued on Friday on the occasion of Ziaur Rahman’s 45th death anniversary, Fakhrul said BNP remains committed to building a government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman that ensures accountability, transparency, tolerance of differing opinions, and the protection of all citizens’ rights.

He said strengthening democratic institutions is essential to establish a stable and lasting democracy in the country.

Fakhrul added that BNP would move forward by upholding the ideals and path of “Shaheed Zia” in addressing national crises, struggles and development, and stressed the need for a strong national unity to protect national interests, pluralistic democracy and people’s rights.

The BNP has taken various programmes to observe the 45th death anniversary of its founder, Ziaur Rahman, on Saturday (May 30).

Describing Ziaur Rahman as a “gallant freedom fighter and principled statesman,” Fakhrul said his patriotism, honesty and dedication continue to inspire nationalist forces.

He also alleged that Ziaur Rahman’s popularity was never accepted by “domestic and foreign conspirators.”

From the very beginning after assuming power, anti-national groups started plotting against him. These conspirators brutally killed President Ziaur Rahman on 30 May 1981 at the Chattogram Circuit House. Through this tragic assassination, the nation lost a great patriot.

However, no matter how much conspirators may try, a great statesman cannot be erased from history by removing him from the world. Instead, he remains eternally alive in the hearts of the people.

With uncompromising determination, his late wife, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, followed the path shown by Shaheed Zia and advanced multi-party democracy and the country’s development, while confronting anti-democratic and anti-national forces.

Referring to political developments, Fakhrul said “fascist rule” had allegedly kept power for 17 years through fear, enforced disappearances, killings and repression.

He also alleged that state resources were laundered abroad and described the previous ruling system as a “looted mafia economy”.

Fakhrul further claimed that a mass uprising involving students, workers and the public on August 5, 2024 led to a political change, and called for completing the “victory” achieved through the blood of students and citizens.