Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS) – Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon said many leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) sacrificed their lives in the struggle for establishing democracy.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion, organized by the Gournadi upazila unit of BNP to mark the party’s founding anniversary, as the chief guest this afternoon. 

Swapon said the then ruling authorities had destroyed the democratic rights of the people after the independence of Bangladesh, while the establishment of the fascist rule also triggered dissent within the Awami League.

“Against this backdrop, a bloody political change took place on August 15, followed later by the abolition of BAKSAL,” he added.

Referring to the history of BNP, Swapon said Bangladesh’s politics had gone through a complicated period before the party was founded.

He said BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman played an important role in bringing discipline to the armed forces, ensuring food security for the people, establishing Bangladesh’s dignity in the international arena and laying the foundation for the country’s garment industry.

The adviser also said BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia led the anti-autocracy movement against the Ershad regime holding the banner of BNP.

“Many BNP leaders and activists sacrificed their lives in the movement for establishing democracy,” he said.

Swapon further said alongside Abu Sayeed, many leaders and activists, including Chhatra Dal activist Wasim, were killed during the 2024 July mass uprising.

“The movement to establish people’s voting rights moved forward through their sacrifices,” he said, adding that 221 people remained missing in connection with the movement for democracy.

Referring to Sheikh Hasina, Swapon said fascist rulers faced social boycott. “If Sheikh Hasina returns to the country, she will have to go to jail,” he added.
Gournadi upazila BNP Convener and Valiant Freedom Fighter Syed Sarwar Alam Biplob chaired the discussion. 

Barishal North District BNP Member Secretary Md Mizanur Rahman Mukul addressed the event as the chief speaker.

Gournadi Upazila BNP Member Secretary Sharif Zahir Sajjad Hannan, Gournadi Municipal BNP Convener Md Zakir Hossain Sharif, Municipal BNP Member Secretary Sharif Shafiqur Rahman Swapan and Barishal North District Jubo Dal Senior Joint Convener Saiyedur Alam Khan Sentu spoke at the programme as special guests.

Other local leaders of BNP and its associated bodies also spoke at the event.

Earlier, Zahir Uddin Swapon attended a meeting with the Agailjhara upazila administration at 10am and joined a BNP programme organized by the Agailjhara upazila unit to mark the party’s founding anniversary at 11am.

He also attended a meeting with the Gournadi upazila administration at 12:30 pm.