Photo: BSS

BAGERHAT, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam today called for maintaining unity within the party and urged BNP leaders and activists to rise above personal interests to meet people's expectations.

"The people of the country have entrusted BNP with the responsibility of running the country. Therefore, leaders and activists must put aside personal interests and emotions and play a responsible role in the interests of the party and the country," he said.

The state minister was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised by Bagerhat District BNP at the Bagerhat District Council Auditorium this afternoon, marking the party's 48th founding anniversary.

District BNP Convener Engineer ATM Akram Hossain Talim presided over the discussion, while District Council Administrator Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain was the main speaker. District BNP Member Secretary Muzaffar Rahman Alam moderated the programme.

BNP Central Executive Committee member Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and former District BNP President MA Salam attended the programme as special guests.

The state minister said BNP leaders and activists must work in unity with the goal of securing an absolute majority in the 75 Union Parishad elections in Bagerhat.

He said candidates should be selected for the upcoming local government elections after assessing their popularity, sacrifices and political backgrounds, particularly those who had stood against the "fascist government" through processions, rallies, movements and struggles over the past 17 years.

Faridul said BNP is a popular political party and that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has implemented many of its pledges to the people during the past six months.

He urged party leaders and activists to coordinate with local administration officials in implementing government initiatives, including family cards, farmer cards and allowances for imams and muezzins, saying such coordination would help ensure public services more effectively.

He also urged party members to inform people about the government's development programmes, both adopted and under implementation, instead of engaging in mutual accusations and propaganda on social media.

Faridul said the BNP government is working for the overall development of the country despite the economically fragile situation it inherited.

Earlier in the morning, the anniversary programmes began in front of the district BNP office with the hoisting of the national and party flags, followed by the national anthem and the party anthem.

Later, fish fry were released into the pond at Bagerhat District Jail, while tree saplings were planted at important points and road islands across the city as part of beautification activities.

A cultural programme organised at night under the initiative of JASAS also drew enthusiastic participation from party leaders, activists and visitors.