Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Tuesday said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was the only President who declared Bangladesh’s independence and took part in the Liberation War with arms.
He said Ziaur Rahman’s sense of responsibility towards the people, honesty and simple lifestyle should serve as examples for political workers.
The minister also urged leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to work for the welfare of the country and its people after being imbued with Ziaur Rahman’s ideals.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised by Cumilla city BNP at the Cumilla Shilpakala Academy, marking the BNP’s founding anniversary, according to a PID handout.
Aminur said people are the ultimate source of power in a democratic state and the BNP formed the government through the direct votes of the people.
“No government in history has been able to hold on to power over the people forever. Over time, many powerful rulers and governments have also had to leave,” he said, adding that the people are the fundamental strength of democracy and the true source of state power.
The minister said nearly 75 percent of the country’s population is directly or indirectly involved in agriculture and farming.
“The government firmly believes that sustainable development of the country is not possible without the development of farmers,” he said, adding that the government is ready to take all necessary measures to develop agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Aminur said agricultural development was a key component of the BNP’s election pledges and that the government is implementing various initiatives for farmers’ welfare, including loan waivers and necessary support for agricultural activities.
He said there was a time when Bangladesh had to import agricultural products, but dependence on imports has declined, particularly in the case of onions.
“In the future, the new generation will no longer have to import onions. Rather, we will think about exporting onions,” the minister said, adding that the government also plans to reduce imports of other agricultural products and eventually export them.
Cumilla city BNP President and Cumilla Development Authority Chairman Udbatul Bari Abu presided over the meeting, while city BNP General Secretary and Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yousuf Mollah moderated it.