PM urges countrymen to support those working for country’s progress

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged countrymen to support those directly and indirectly engaged in nation-building efforts, calling for collective responsibility to strengthen social and national development.

He made the call while addressing a food and clothing distribution programme for underprivileged people, held to mark the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman on Saturday (May 30).

Tarique Rahman said that true respect for the late president would be reflected when people from all walks of life contribute to society from their respective positions and support those working for the country’s development.

“As citizens, if we all play our part and extend support to those contributing to nation-building in any form, that will be the real tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman,” he said.

He also kept his remarks brief, citing public inconvenience due to the street-side arrangement of the programme.

“We will not extend the speech further today as we are holding the programme on the road and it is causing inconvenience to public movement,” he added.

Tarique Rahman indicated that the party leadership would soon hold a separate meeting to discuss organisational matters and future plans to further strengthen the party.

Earlier in the day, BNP leaders and activists paid tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at the National Memorial complex in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The BNP chief also participated in prayers and offered floral tributes marking the anniversary.

Following the tribute, he inaugurated nationwide relief activities, including food and clothing distribution for the poor and distressed. Later, he joined a programme at T&T playground adjacent to Manik Mia Avenue, where further relief distribution was carried out.

Separate relief programmes were also held across Dhaka, including at FDC area in Karwan Bazar, where senior BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan was present, and at the High Court Mazhar Gate area where senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi joined a similar initiative.

Party leaders said the programmes reflect BNP’s commitment to public welfare inspired by Ziaur Rahman’s political ideals, aiming to extend support and compassion to underprivileged communities.

Across the capital and other parts of the country, the day was observed with Quran recitations, prayers, discussion programmes, and nationwide distribution of relief materials for the poor.