BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today presiding over a discussion meeting at the IDEB in the capital, marking the 90th birth anniversary of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman taught the nation to stand tall with heads held high.

He made the remarks while presiding over a discussion meeting organized by the BNP at the IDEB in the capital marking the 90th birth anniversary of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, the architect of modern Bangladesh.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam said the greatest contribution of Ziaur Rahman was giving the nation a distinct identity through the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism. 

There are Bengalis elsewhere in the world, but he established the identity of the people of this land as Bangladeshis, he said.

Ziaur Rahman led the Liberation War after proclaiming the country’s independence and established Bangladesh with honor on the international stage, he said. 

“He (Ziaur Rahman) taught us never to bow our heads to anyone and never to let the flag of independence, sovereignty, and democracy fall,” Mirzia Fakhrul said. 

The BNP Secretary General said after the brutal assassination of Ziaur Rahman, many thought the BNP would come to an end. 

“But Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia raised that flag again. Even after Begum Khaleda Zia was imprisoned, many believed the party would weaken. But by the will of Allah, the then Acting Chairman of the party, Tarique Rahman, once again raised that flag,” he said.

In this context, he recalled a memory from a visit to China during the BNP government in 2002, saying that during the visit, the Chinese Prime Minister held Tarique Rahman’s hand and said, “Carry the flag of your father and mother.” 

“By the will of Almighty Allah, today that flag has once again come into his hands,” he said.

He said when Tarique Rahman returned to the country after long exile in London, the people welcomed him with a massive public gathering.

Recalling memories, he said standing on the stage, Tarique Rahman first said he has a plan and the goal of this plan is the economic emancipation of the people, institutionalizing democracy, and establishing a culture of peace and harmony in the country.

Mirza Fakhrul said, “On one side, a group speaks only the language of threats, killings, and repression; on the other side, our leader talks about plans for the people—this is the difference.”

Highlighting Begum Khaleda Zia’s role in promoting tolerance, he said, “After August 5, when the country feared instability, she called for building a new Bangladesh through love, not vengeance.”

Recalling the contributions of Ziaur Rahman, Mirza Fakhrul said, “He brought the country back from one-party rule to multi-party democracy, ensured freedom of the press, and guided the state onto a path of promise.”

Referring to the current political context, he said, “A national election is nearing. The BNP wants elections and trusts the people’s verdict. If the people want, we will form the government; if not, we will remain in the opposition.”

On reforms, he said, “The BNP proposed state reforms back in 2022 and announced a 31-point outline. Most of the reforms being discussed today were included in our proposals.”

Criticizing misleading politics around religion, he said the BNP is a party that believes in religion. 

Ziaur Rahman inserted ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’ into the Constitution and proclaimed complete faith in Almighty Allah, he said.

He added that true respect for Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia can be shown only through the victory of the “Sheaf of Paddy”, the party’s election symbol.

BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan and Begum Selima Rahman, BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, member of the BNP Chairman’s Advisory Council Advocate Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and the party’s Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, among others, spoke at the discussion meeting. BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku conducted the event.

Leaders and activists from various levels of BNP were present at the discussion.