BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. File Photo

DHAKA, June 8, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was a man of extraordinary brilliance who pulled a devastated nation back from the brink of collapse.

"Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is continuing the development path set by his father", he said.

Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a special prayer ceremony and discussion marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, organised by Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha at the Dharmarajika Buddhist Temple in the Basabo.

Referring to the 1971 Liberation War, Fakhrul said that when political leadership failed to declare independence, Ziaur Rahman, then a major in the army, declared independence and gave direction to the nation.

The minister said that during an economic crisis period under the then government, Ziaur Rahman later introduced market-oriented reforms, encouraged private investment, initiated the garment industry, expanded overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers and launched agricultural initiatives including canal digging programmes.

Fakhrul added that remittances, which remain a key source of national income today, began with labour migration initiatives introduced during Zia's tenure.

Highlighting Tarique Rahman's leadership, Fakhrul said he had transformed personal grief into political strength and worked to unite nationalist forces.
 
The minister expressed optimism that the upcoming national budget, scheduled for presentation on June 11, would include initiatives aimed at building a "new Bangladesh."

Referring again to the Liberation War, Fakhrul said people of all religions-Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Muslims-had fought together for independence. He warned against attempts to create division or communalism, saying such efforts would not be tolerated.

He reiterated that BNP is committed to democracy, free elections, freedom of expression, media freedom and an independent judiciary.

The event was presided over by President of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha Ven. Dr. Buddhapriya Mahathero, while State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib inaugurated the programme.

Secretary General of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Rabindra University Professor Suman Kanti Barua delivered the welcome speech.