Photo: BSS

NATORE, May 30, 2026 (BSS) - BNP leaders and activists here in the district have pledged to advance the country by upholding the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

They came up with the pledges at a discussion held today to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman. Speakers at the event said they would continue working to move the country forward by embracing his ideals.

The discussion and prayer programme, organized by the Natore District BNP, was held at the District Council Auditorium. The chief guest of the programme was Member of Parliament from Natore-2 constituency and Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Advocate M. Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu.

The keynote speaker was the Member of Parliament from Natore-1 constituency and State Minister for Social Welfare, Barrister Farzana Sharmin.

Dulu said a vested quarter had believed that by assassinating Ziaur Rahman they could erase his ideals from the nation's history. 

However, he said, those conspirators had failed and that Zia's ideals would never disappear. He cited BNP's overwhelming victory in the last parliamentary election as evidence of the enduring influence of those ideals.

Dulu also said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had taken charge of the country during a difficult period and had begun implementing a 31-point program. He called on all citizens to cooperate with government activities to help move the country forward.

Speaking at the event, State Minister Farzana Sharmin said that during the Liberation War, Ziaur Rahman had announced the country's independence and helped to lead the war toward a victory. 

She said he (Zia) later introduced multi-party democracy in Bangladesh and played a pivotal role in building and transforming the modern state. 
She added Shaheed Zia remains one of the country's most popular and successful statesmen.

She further said that inspired by Zia's ideals, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had launched extensive initiatives for the welfare of the people. 

Farzana Sharmin expressed hope that his dedication and leadership would guide the country toward greater development and prosperity.

Presiding over the meeting, Senior Convener of the District BNP, Abdul Aziz, said party leaders and activists were committed to advancing both the party and the country by following the ideals of Ziaur Rahman, the uncompromising political stance of Begum Khaleda Zia, and the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

District BNP Member Secretary Md. Asaduzzaman Asad stressed the importance of maintaining unity within the party founded by Ziaur Rahman and supporting national development efforts.

Principal Anwarul Islam Anu, MP, said Zia's ideals would never fade and attributed BNP's popularity in Bangladesh to those principles.

As part of the observance, national and party flags were flown at half-mast and black flags were hoisted at the district BNP office in the morning. A Quran recitation program was later held at the District Council Auditorium.