Kamrul Hasan: Speakers at a discussion meeting organized by the Manikganj District BNP on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day said that no development can be sustainable without democracy. They emphasized that the victory of the Sheaf of Paddy (BNP’s electoral symbol) is now a demand of the time to safeguard independence, uphold the Constitution, restore democracy, and rebuild the state structure.

Speaking as the chief guest, Afroza Khanom Rita, Member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council, Convener of Manikganj District BNP, and nominated candidate for Manikganj-3 constituency, said,

“National development is impossible without democratic voting. A just and equitable state can only be established through the implementation of the BNP’s 31-point reform agenda aimed at protecting independence, the Constitution, and democracy, and reconstructing the state structure.”

She further said, “Under the visionary leadership of Deshnayak Tareque Rahman, autocracy has been defeated. Now, the challenge is to transform that achievement into sustainable development. Only by upholding the ideals and patriotic spirit of martyred President Ziaur Rahman can we achieve national reconstruction.”

Rita added, “As part of fulfilling the people’s long-standing aspirations over the past 17 years, the interim government has decided to hold the next national election in February 2026. However, a vested group is conspiring to derail the election in the name of a so-called ‘PR system.’ For the sake of the nation, this evil force must be resisted through unity.”

She called upon party leaders and activists to ensure the victory of the Sheaf of Paddy through unity and urged women to stand alongside men in contributing to the nation’s welfare.

Engineer Moinul Islam Khan Shanto, Member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council, former General Secretary of the District BNP, former Member of Parliament, and BNP’s nominated candidate for Manikganj-2 constituency, said,

“The core lesson of National Revolution and Solidarity Day is to return power to the people. The BNP’s 31-point declaration is not merely a political manifesto—it is a roadmap for establishing a just and equitable state.”

He added, “To overcome the country’s current economic crisis, unemployment, and corruption, the restoration of people’s voting rights is the only way forward. To achieve this, public unity must be strengthened under the leadership of Deshnayak Tareque Rahman.”

Professor Dr. Khondaker Akbar Hossain Bablu, the eldest son of the late BNP Secretary General Advocate Khondaker Delwar Hossain, a member of the district BNP convening committee, former vice-president of the district BNP and a candidate for the paddy sheesh nomination from Manikganj-1 constituency, said, “National Revolution and Solidarity Day reminds us that this country was formed based on the will of the people. Today, that will has been taken away. We want a people’s government, not a dictatorship.”

He added, “The people of the country now want change. BNP is ready to lead that change. Development is possible only when democracy and justice are established.”

The speakers recalled that National Revolution and Solidarity Day stands as a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s political history. On this day in 1975, under the leadership of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the country’s independence, sovereignty, and multi-party democracy were restored. According to them, sustainable development and national reconstruction are impossible without reinstating people’s right to vote.

Continuing this legacy, they said that under the strong leadership of Deshnayak Tareque Rahman, the nation has witnessed the fall of autocracy and the beginning of a new Bangladesh through the protection of independence, the Constitution, and democracy. To fulfill this achievement and ensure the welfare of the country and its people, the Sheaf of Paddy must be victorious—only then will the dream of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman be realized.

Earlier in the day, a massive rally led by Afroza Khanom Rita started from the Shaheed Minar premises and ended at the Manikganj Bus Stand. The city echoed with slogans for the victory of the Sheaf of Paddy, with thousands of leaders, activists, and general citizens participating.

Prominent among those present were: S.A. Jinnah Kabir, member of the BNP’s Central Executive Committee and senior member of the District Convening Committee; Advocate Azad Hossain Khan, Advocate A.F.M. Nurtaz Alam Bahar, P.P., Satyen Kanta Pandit Bhajan, Golam Abedin Kaiser, Nasir Uddin Ahmed Jadu, Golam Kibria Said, Abdus Salam Badol, Rafiquddin Bhuiyan Habu, Advocate Arif Hossain Liton, Asaduzzaman Khan Dolon, Riaz Mahmud Harez, Advocate Mohiuddin Swapon, Sabiha Habib, President of the District Women’s Wing; Advocate Saiful Islam Ripon, Joint Secretary of the Sadar Upazila BNP; Kazi Mostak Hossain Dipu, Convener of the District Jubo Dal; Tuhinur Rahman Tuhin, Member Secretary; Ziauddin Ahmed Kabir, Senior Joint Convener; Masud Parvez, Mostafizur Rahman Prince, Mahbubul Alam Uzzal, Masudur Rahman Masud, Senior Vice-President of the District Krishak Dal; Advocate Jinnah Khan, Convener of the District Volunteer Wing; Abdul Kader, President of the District Sramik Dal; Abul Kashem, General Secretary of the Transport Workers’ Wing; Abdul Khalek Shuvo, President of the District Chhatra Dal; and Sirajur Rahman Khan Sajib, General Secretary of the District Chhatra Dal, along with leaders from all seven upazilas and associated front organizations of the BNP.

The speakers concluded by praying for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, the good health and long life of Deshnayak Tareque Rahman, and for the welfare of the nation.