Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS) - Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon today pledged to transform Khulna into a model city combining traditional industries with modern education.

He made the announcement while addressing a large rally organised jointly by the Khulna city and district units of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the Zia Hall premises at Shib Bari intersection in the city, marking the party's 48th founding anniversary.

Milon said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working tirelessly with a strong commitment to building Bangladesh into one of the world's leading nations.

"No force can halt the country's progress or the remarkable achievements made in the education sector," he said.

Recalling Khulna's past economic significance, Milon said the city had once been the economic hub of the southwestern region and one of the country's major industrial centres. 

He alleged that the previous government had intentionally shut down industries in the region, causing severe damage to the local economy.

He said the present government has taken a number of integrated master plans and development initiatives to restore Khulna's position as a modern industrial, economic and educational centre.

Highlighting the government's anti-drug stance, the minister reiterated a "zero tolerance" policy against narcotics to protect the younger generation.

"There will be no place in Khulna for drug traders or their collaborators," he said, adding that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take strict action against such activities.

KDA Chairman and Khulna city BNP President Advocate SM Shafiqul Alam Mona presided over the rally.

BNP Information Affairs Secretary Azizul Bari Helal, MP, attended the programme as the chief speaker, while BNP Central Joint Organising Secretary Jayanta Kumar Kundu spoke as a special guest.

Thousands of BNP leaders and activists joined the rally carrying banners and participating in processions despite rain and adverse weather, turning the Zia Hall premises into a massive gathering before the arrival of the guests.

Leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) performed the national and party anthems at the beginning of the programme. 

The programme was jointly conducted by Bangladesh Cricket Board Director and Khulna city BNP General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin, and Khulna District Council Administrator and district BNP Member Secretary SM Monirul Hasan Bappi.

Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Rakibul Islam Bokul, MP, Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Khulna WASA Chairman Moniruzzaman Moni and Khulna district BNP Convener Moniruzzaman Montu also addressed the rally.