Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan stated on Friday that the history of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is almost synonymous with the history of the nation itself.
Addressing a discussion held at the Bangladesh Handloom Education and Training Institute auditorium in Narsingdi to mark the party's 48th founding anniversary, Moyeen Khan highlighted that the ideology of Bangladeshi nationalism introduced by late President Ziaur Rahman safeguards the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or ethnicity. He noted that the BNP has been advancing politically for the last 48 years grounded in these principles.
Moyeen Khan praised Ziaur Rahman for pioneering a economic model based on production and development. He emphasized that early initiatives to liberalize the economy, promote the readymade garment (RMG) sector, and boost overseas employment were launched during Ziaur Rahman's presidency, laying the groundwork for key pillars of the national economy today. He further credited the BNP founder with strengthening Bangladesh's international standing and fostering rights for women and children.
Paying tribute to late Abdul Momen Khan, a founding member of the BNP from Narsingdi, Moyeen Khan recalled his pivotal role in establishing the party’s early organizational structure and expanding its reach in the region. Reflecting on former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's political legacy, the minister recalled her long-standing struggle against autocracy. He noted that her leadership led her to become Bangladesh's first female prime minister, serving three terms through democratic mandates.
"The BNP does not believe in the politics of revenge; rather, we believe in establishing justice, democracy, and people's rights," Moyeen Khan stated. He called upon party leaders and activists to pass down the BNP's 48-year historical legacy and Ziaur Rahman's ideals to the younger generation.
The event was chaired by Narsingdi-1 MP Khairul Kabir Khokon and attended by several elected members of parliament from various constituencies in the district.
