News Flash
CHATTOGRAM, May 30, 2026 (BSS) - Finance and Planning Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today said active participation of the people is essential to realizing the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and building the Bangladesh he envisioned.
"True respect can be shown to Shaheed Zia by dedicating ourselves to the welfare of the people and sharing in their joys and sorrows," he said.
Amir Khasru was addressing a food distribution programme organized for the poor, destitute and passersby at Kazir Deuri intersection near the Chattogram Circuit House, marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam.
Recalling Ziaur Rahman's legacy, the minister said the Chattogram Circuit House remains deeply connected to his memory as it was the place where he was assassinated.
"Although Shaheed Zia was brutally killed, his ideals and philosophy remain untarnished. He introduced multi-party democracy in Bangladesh instead of one-party rule and ushered in a new chapter in the country's political history," he said.
The BNP leader urged party leaders and activists to embrace Ziaur Rahman's principles and remain committed to serving the people.
"The people are the BNP's greatest strength. Their interests, needs and expectations must always come first," he said.
Addressing party workers, Amir Khasru said politicians must never lose sight of the ordinary citizens for whom they engage in politics.
"We should stand beside the people in both good times and bad and strive to fulfil their expectations through our work in government," he added.
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, who presided over the programme, called for supporting disadvantaged sections of society.
"We must stand by these people. Building the Bangladesh envisioned by Shaheed Ziaur Rahman requires close engagement with the masses," he said.
Amir Khasru further said no single political party could bring about meaningful change alone.
"By involving people from all walks of life, we can build a prosperous, democratic and welfare-oriented Bangladesh," he said.
Dr Shahadat Hossain described Ziaur Rahman as an exceptional leader whose historic declaration of independence during the Liberation War in 1971 and courageous participation on the battlefield inspired the nation in its struggle for freedom.
"He assumed leadership of the country at a critical juncture after 1975 when Bangladesh was facing uncertainty and disorder. Through national unity, he envisioned a prosperous Bangladesh and worked tirelessly to achieve that goal," the mayor said.
Leaders and activists of the BNP, representatives of various social groups and members of underprivileged communities attended the programme.
At the end of the event, the chief guest and the mayor distributed food items among the beneficiaries.
