Photo: BSS

LALMONIRHAT, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu today said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would return to power repeatedly if fair elections continue to be held.

"As long as fair elections continue, BNP will come to power again and again, InshaAllah," he said.

Dulu made the remarks while addressing a discussion and cultural programme organised to mark the BNP's 48th founding anniversary at the Lalmonirhat Zilla Parishad Auditorium Hall at around 8:30 pm.

Recalling the political legacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the minister said he never tried to suppress dissent and instead gave everyone an opportunity to engage in politics.

"Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman never tried to suppress dissent. He gave everyone a chance to do politics. Those who are speaking against us have also been given the right to do politics," he said.

He said Ziaur Rahman had also given political opportunities to those who had fled the country.

"Khaleda Zia also wanted the same, and Tarique Rahman is also giving the same," he added.

Dulu said the people of Bangladesh like the BNP's sheaf of paddy symbol because of the party's role in democracy, adding that the BNP has always spoken about development.

He said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman had contacted party leaders and discussed how to implement the party's election manifesto.

"We took power at a time when Bangladesh's money was being laundered abroad. The governance system was destroyed. The health sector was in a fragile state, there was anarchy in the education sector and the administration was full of corruption," he said.

"Our slogan is the slogan of democracy, the slogan of the people and the slogan preferred by the people of Bangladesh - Bangladesh first, Bangladesh for everyone," he said.

District Council Administrator AKM Mominul, District BNP Joint General Secretary ABM Faruk Siddique, Municipal BNP President Afzal Hossain, District BNP Organising Secretary Saju Patwari, District Jubo Dal Convener VP Anis, Member Secretary Hasan Ali and other leaders were present at the programme.

The event concluded with patriotic songs, BNP-themed presentations and various cultural programmes.