Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed a discussion as the chief guest at the KIB auditorium in the city this afternoon. Photo: PMO

DHAKA, May 31, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said that his government is committed to fulfilling all expectations of the country's people.

"The current government is running the state being inspired by the philosophy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and the main goal of the government is to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people through implementation of the election manifesto," he said. 

The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a discussion as the chief guest at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the city this afternoon. 

The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized the discussion marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

The premier said, "The government's manifesto is no longer just BNP's manifesto; it is now the manifesto of the people. We have to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of those who voted in favor of it (manifesto). Following the guidance given by Ziaur Rahman, we have undertaken programmes and are governing the country accordingly."

Reaffirming the government's commitment to restoring democracy and improving justice, education and healthcare, Tarique Rahman said, "The aspirations people held after the Liberation War were not fulfilled. Over the past 17 years, the nation has witnessed how democracy, justice, education and healthcare were killed. The BNP government has assumed responsibility at a difficult and crucial time. If we proceed carelessly during this period, the country and future generations will suffer irreparable damage."

Emphasising the importance of family education in preventing social degradation, he said, "After returning to the country, I felt that there has been some decline in family-based education. Relevant authorities have been instructed to work toward strengthening social and family values."

Recalling the memories of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister said, "The world recognized Bangladesh through Ziaur Rahman. For many people, Bangladesh meant Ziaur Rahman. As his son, that makes me proud."

Addressing party leaders and activists, Tarique Rahman said, "The government will succeed only if party members support it. Success will not come merely through the hard work of ministers. Just as you worked together to secure victory in the election, leaders and activists of all affiliated and associate organizations must work unitedly to implement the manifesto."

BNP Secretary General and LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presided over the discussion while BNP Publicity Affairs Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku conducted it.

BNP Standing Committee members Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Begum Selima Rahman and Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Dhaka North BNP Convener Aminul Haque, Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal President SM Zilani, Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayan and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) President Rakibul Islam Rakib spoke at the event.

Besides, Economist Professor Mahbub Ullah, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed, National University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Lutfor Rahaman and Bangladesh Open University (BOU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dil Rowshan Zinnat Ara Nazneen discussed the life and contributions of Ziaur Rahman.

The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. A special prayer was later offered seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

A one-minute silence was also observed in memory of the BNP founder.