BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan spoke as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'Shaheed Zia, Workers' Awakening, Production and Development' held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail, Dhaka. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Nov 5, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan today urged all party leaders and activists to work with unity to ensure the victory of the candidates nominated by the party for the upcoming national parliamentary elections.

He said, "All must work together to make the candidates nominated by the BNP victorious. Not just in Dhaka, but wherever you have a home, wherever you have connections, you must try everywhere so that ' Dhaner Sheesh' (paddy sheaf) candidates win in the next election."

Nazrul Islam Khan made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'Shaheed Zia, Workers' Awakening, Production and Development' held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail here. 

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal organized the event marking the historic 7 November, the National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

The Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain presided over the event while Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain spoke as the special guest and BNP Chairperson's Adviser Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas spoke as the key speaker. 

Addressing the party's leaders and activists, Nazrul said, "Remember, opportunities don't come around often. We have announced a 31-point programme where the concerns of people from all classes and professions, and particularly the workers, are addressed. If we can build public opinion in favor of this change, we will be able to fulfill our aspirations for nation-building."

He highlighted that the history of the BNP and the example set by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman is one of practicing politics and participating in elections by including everyone.

"Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman never sought power. He never staged a coup, never imposed martial law and never declared a state of emergency. He was tasked with dealing with an adverse situation in the country when no one else was willing to take on the responsibility. He carried out that duty. Even as a military ruler, he transitioned the country from a one-party system to a multi-party system," Nazrul added.

Referring to the aspirations of the people being disregarded after the Liberation War, the senior BNP leader stated, "The main aspiration of the Great War of Independence was the establishment of democracy. But how unfortunate it is that the then-government of independent Bangladesh could not provide the people with the democracy we fought for, the freedom from discrimination we fought for, and the peace and prosperity we fought for."

"During this time, people's hardship and deprivation increased, and their right to life and livelihood was curtailed. Instead of solving the problems, the then-government declared a state of emergency after the 1974 famine," he added.

The BNP leader then highlighted various positive steps taken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman after assuming power, saying, "Ziaur Rahman went from village to village and inspired the people, telling them to grow crops. He encouraged them to cultivate more crops. The result was evident; the food crisis was resolved within just two years."

In his speech Dr. Zahid said, "The ordinary, majority people of the country will not accept any conspiracy to hinder democracy under any circumstances. Workers must remember that if there is a democratic environment, your and my demands will be met. If there is no democracy, if your representation is not established, and if a democratic environment is not ensured, then the hopes and aspirations of the entire nation, not just ours or yours, will not be fulfilled."