BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said the benefits of development must reach every citizen in line with the wishes of the nation.

“Over the last one and a half decades, people have made huge sacrifices. They have faced jailing, repression, false cases and enforced disappearances with the hope of building a happy, prosperous and welfare-oriented democratic Bangladesh,” he said.

Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said now is the time to bring about that change in accordance with the people’s aspirations.

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Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said development should not be limited to a small group of people. “The benefits of Bangladesh’s development must reach every citizen. Development must reach people’s doorsteps. Every citizen must become a partner in development and the economy.”

He said democracy is needed not only in politics but also in the economy. “Economic democratisation is also essential,” he noted.

Referring to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s vision for rebuilding the country, Khosru said this goal cannot be achieved by one person or even by the government alone.

“This requires partnership. Everyone must be involved and an alliance is necessary. We must each fulfill our responsibilities, and cooperation from all is essential. We must become soldiers in building and developing Bangladesh,” he said.

The BNP leader expressed hope that through collective efforts, the dreams of Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman can be realised.

The discussion-cum-doa mahfil was organised by Zia Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium in memory of BNP’s late chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

Khosru said Khaleda Zia carried the torch of democracy for a long time, and that responsibility has now been taken up by Tarique Rahman. “In the future, he will lead the country as a torchbearer of democracy,” he said.

He also praised Khaleda Zia’s firm leadership, saying she never made any compromise.

The BNP leader said millions of people joined Khaleda Zia’s namaz-e-janaza out of love and respect. “Such a massive gathering did not happen overnight. It reflected deep public affection. I have never seen such a large janaza anywhere in the world.”