PM urges party activists to stand by the underprivileged

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged party leaders and activists to support underprivileged people, saying helping those in need reflects the values taught by BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman on Saturday.

Speaking after distributing clothing and dry food among disadvantaged people at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan to mark Ziaur Rahman’s 45th death anniversary, Tarique said the party has traditionally observed the day by extending assistance to vulnerable communities.

“Those who have been with the party for a long time know that every year on this day we try to stand by people in need and provide support wherever possible,” he said.

Addressing party activists, he added, “My appeal to you is not only to work through the party but, if possible, to take personal initiatives to help the underprivileged. This is the lesson of Shaheed Zia.”

He called on everyone to pledge to extend assistance to vulnerable people according to their ability, saying such efforts should be the collective commitment and achievement of the day.

Earlier, speaking at a brief gathering at Jor Pukur Field in Khilgaon, the prime minister stressed the importance of keeping Dhaka clean and urged citizens to share responsibility for maintaining the city.

“I have visited several areas of Dhaka South and observed the situation. Along with sacrificial waste, the cleaning of other garbage must also be monitored,” he said.

“The city belongs to all of us. While the city corporation and sanitation workers are carrying out their responsibilities, citizens also have a duty to help keep the city clean,” he added.

He said a cleaner city would improve mobility, enhance the environment and make the work of sanitation workers easier.

Recalling his father, he said Ziaur Rahman had always encouraged people to stand beside the poor and taught that national development comes through practical work and public service.

He also said affluent members of society should come forward to support those in need, arguing that broader participation could accelerate improvements in people's living standards.

He noted that BNP had been entrusted by voters with the responsibility of building a “new Bangladesh” through the Feb. 12 election and said continued public support would help the government improve the lives of citizens more quickly.

Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, attended the event.