BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today spoke after placing a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Dec 16, 2025 (BSS)- BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the enemies of independence who stood against it during the 1971 Liberation War are once again trying to raise their heads.

He said, "The freedom-loving people of Bangladesh, the people who aspire for independence, the people who desire democracy in Bangladesh, will certainly thwart all their conspiracies and maintain the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh, and establish democracy, Insha'Allah."

The BNP Secretary General made the remarks after placing a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman this morning marking the Victory Day.

He said, "The war that began with the declaration of independence by the Proclaimer of Independence Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, reached its final victory on December 16. For this reason, this day is extremely important to the BNP and to us." 

He further said, "We have visited and paid our respects at the shrine of the Proclaimer of Independence. We have taken an oath today- our struggle to keep independence intact will always continue. We have taken an oath that we will definitely continue our struggle for the establishment of democracy in Bangladesh, and we will certainly establish a democratic state."

The Secretary General said that the party paid deep homage and gratitude to the martyrs of the Liberation War on behalf of BNP, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

"At the same time, we pray to the Almighty Allah for the recovery of Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female freedom fighter of this country and the tireless guardian of Bangladesh's democracy, who has constantly struggled and fought for independence and sovereignty, and is currently in a serious state of illness. We seek the blessings of the Almighty Allah for her recovery," said Fakhrul.

Earlier, the BNP Secretary General, along with members of the party's Standing Committee, paid their respects at the grave of party founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and later participated in a special munajat at 9:55am. 

BNP Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan; members of the Chairperson's Advisory Council Aman Ullah Aman, Abdus Salam; Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi; Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon; Dhaka Metropolitan BNP leaders Aminul Haque, Tanvir Ahmed Robin, and leaders from central and affiliated organizations were present. 

Later, Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal, Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal, Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal, Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal, Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB), and Jatiyatabadi Chatro Dal laid wreaths at the grave of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. 

Mirza Fakhrul mentioned, "Our leader Tarique Rahman is currently abroad in exile. We hope that he will return to the country on December 25. We are working so that his return to the country further strengthens the struggle for democracy."

Earlier, at 8:30am, the BNP Secretary General, along with thousands of party leaders and activists, paid tribute to the valiant martyrs by laying a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar.