Road Transport, Bridges, Rail and Waterways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Monday said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has always pursued people-oriented politics and never had
to seek apology from the public, unlike some other political parties.
“BNP never had to apologise in that way. BNP has always reflected public aspirations and therefore never had to seek forgiveness from the people for its politics or governance. Whenever people got the opportunity to vote, they voted for BNP,” he said.
The minister made the remarks at a doa mahfil organised in Kalabagan in the capital in observance of the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.
Referring to the political history of the country, Sheikh Robiul Alam alleged that the Awami League had established a one-party rule in Bangladesh similar to that of Yahya Khan.
“The democratic Bangladesh we see today was shaped through the contributions of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman,” he said.
He said Ziaur Rahman had founded the BNP to establish a nationalist political philosophy suitable for the people of the country.
“The leader is no longer with us, but his ideals remain, and so do the soldiers of those ideals,” he added.
The minister said the country is still facing challenges and warned that forces associated with political misconduct and authoritarianism remained active.
“The crisis is not over yet. Political irregularities are still ongoing. Those who once established authoritarian rule and those who may attempt to do so again must be cautious,” he said.
He further said that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had begged for votes from the public in 1996, while Jamaat-e-Islami had recently asked voters to forgive its past mistakes and support the party in elections.
The minister reiterated that BNP has always reflected public aspirations and therefore never had to seek forgiveness from the people for its politics or governance.
He urged party leaders and activists to strengthen public trust, uphold the party’s image and work closely with people to implement the government’s commitments.
He also called on BNP activists to serve as a bridge between the government and the public and help realise people’s expectations.