Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu described the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as a party committed to democracy and people’s rights as the party observed its 48th founding anniversary in Rajshahi on Tuesday.
He made the remarks while inaugurating a day-long programme at the Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP office in Malopara at around 7:00am.
Speaking as the chief guest, Minu said the BNP had been involved in various movements for the restoration of democracy and people’s rights.
Referring to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, he said Zia had participated in the Liberation War and later founded the party.
Minu also praised former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia for her role in the party’s politics and said she had led various movements for democracy.
Referring to BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Minu said he was working for the country while carrying forward the political legacy of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.
The minister also spoke about the BNP’s political struggles over the years. He claimed that party leaders and activists had faced thousands of cases, arrests and other forms of legal and political pressure during the previous government and in connection with the July movement.
He further alleged that attempts were being made by what he described as the “helmet brigade” to create disorder in the country. He did not identify any specific group by name.
Minu said BNP leaders and activists would work to prevent any attempt to create instability or disrupt law and order.
On the issue of law and order, the minister said there would be no leniency towards land grabbing, extortion or violent activities. He urged the law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action against those involved in such activities.
Minu also made critical remarks about the roles of the Awami League and other political parties during the Liberation War while highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s participation in the war.
The event began with the hoisting of the national and BNP flags. Later, pigeons and balloons were released to mark the anniversary, followed by a special prayer.
The programme was chaired by Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP President Mamun Or Rashid Mamun.
Among those present were reserved-seat MP Mahmuda Habiba, Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP General Secretary and Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation Chairman Mohammad Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, Rajshahi District Council Administrator Advocate Ershad Ali Isha, Metropolitan BNP Vice-President Aslam Sarker, Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal leader Roksana Parvin Tuktuki, Metropolitan Jubo Dal Convener Shariful Islam Jony, Member Secretary Rabiul Islam Rabi and Metropolitan Chhatra Dal General Secretary Emdadul Haque.
The Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP is scheduled to hold a procession at 4:00pm today as part of the anniversary programme.This version is more neutral because political allegations remain attributed to Minu, while the reporter does not independently endorse terms such as “fascist,” “helmet brigade,” or claims about which party contributed to the restoration of democracy.
