BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Wednesday called on all party leaders and activists to work in unity to ensure the victory of candidates nominated by the party for the upcoming national parliamentary elections.
He said, “All must work together to make the candidates nominated by the BNP victorious. Not just in Dhaka, but wherever you have a home or connections, you must strive everywhere so that ‘Dhaner Sheesh’ (paddy sheaf) candidates win in the next election.”
Nazrul made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled ‘Shaheed Zia, Workers' Awakening, Production and Development’ held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal to mark the historic 7 November, National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain presided over the event, while Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain spoke as special guest and BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas spoke as key speaker.
Addressing party leaders and activists, Nazrul emphasized, “Opportunities don’t come around often. We have announced a 31-point programme addressing concerns of people from all classes and professions, particularly the workers. If we can build public support for this change, we will be able to fulfill our aspirations for nation-building.”
He highlighted the legacy of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, noting, “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman never sought power, staged a coup, imposed martial law, or declared a state of emergency. He stepped up to deal with adverse situations when no one else would and transitioned the country from a one-party to a multi-party system.”
Nazrul also reflected on post-Liberation War challenges, saying, “The main aspiration of the Great War of Independence was the establishment of democracy. Unfortunately, the then-government failed to provide democracy, freedom from discrimination, and peace and prosperity. People faced hardship, deprivation, and curtailment of rights, and a state of emergency was declared after the 1974 famine.”
He praised Ziaur Rahman’s efforts to resolve the food crisis, adding, “He inspired people to cultivate more crops, and within two years, the food crisis was resolved.”
Dr Zahid further stressed, “The ordinary people of the country will not accept any conspiracy to hinder democracy. Workers must remember that a democratic environment ensures that your and my demands will be met. Without democracy, the hopes and aspirations of the nation will not be fulfilled.”
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