BNP founder Ziaur Rahman formed his party to destroy the spirit of the Liberation War, said Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak on Wednesday.

“That is why he gave refuge to the war criminals like Ghulam Azam and Nizami who opposed the independence of 1971,” he said while speaking at a meeting with the Dinajpur District Awami League in Dinajpur Circuit House.

“He (Zia) also rewarded murderers Dalim and Rashid,” Nanak said.

When the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BaKSAL) was formed, General Zia, the founder of BNP, had become a member of it by begging. But today, they (BNP) boast, he added

Ziaur Rahman wanted to erase the name of the Awami League to grab state power forever, Nanaki also said.

Mentioning that upon returning to the country in 1981, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina organised the party, he said anti-liberation forces had attacked her repeatedly, but she did not bow down to any evil forces.

Pro-liberation forces will run the country, and they will also play a role as an opponent party in the country, he added. “The followers of Bangabandhu will justify the destiny of the country.”

"I have come to Dinajpur to talk to the millers and the traders." “We want to increase the use of jute-made goods in Dinajpur," the minister said.

He said 36.74 acres of land for a textile mill are lying idle. It will not be left behind. “We will take a decision on it soon.”

The whip of Jatiya Sangsad and Member of Parliament of Dinajpur-3 constituency, Iqbalur Rahim, Zakaria Jaka, former MP, Manoranjan Shil Gopal, leaders of Dinajpur district, the Awami League, and other organisations were present in the meeting.