Kamrul Hasan: BNP is the most popular political party in the country. Out of envy at this popularity, a vested quarter is carrying out propaganda to tarnish BNP’s image, said Afroza Khanam Rita, Member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council and Convener of the Manikganj District BNP.

She made this remark on Sunday night while addressing party leaders, activists, supporters, general voters, and locals as the chief guest at the five-day annual Urs Mahfil held at the shrine of Barail Mesher Shah Fakir in Nabagram Union of Manikganj Sadar Upazila.

The event was presided over by former Union BNP president Md. Adam Ali. Among others present were headmaster Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, district BNP convening committee members Golam Abedin Kayser, Nasir Uddin Ahmed Jadu, Golam Kibria Saeed, Abdus Salam Badol, Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Habu, Manikganj Press Club president Jahangir Alam Biswas, Asaduzzaman Khan Dolon, Advocate Arif Hossain Liton, BNP leader Riaz Mahmud Harej, district Jubo Dal member secretary Tuhinur Rahman Tuhin, joint convener Md. Masud Parvez, municipal Jubo Dal joint convener Shamsuddin Ahmed Babu, district Swechchhasebak Dal convener Advocate Jinnah Khan, district Sramik Dal president Abdul Kader, district Chhatra Dal president Abdul Khalek Shuvo, general secretary Sirajur Rahman Khan Sojib, teachers, and leaders of BNP and its associate bodies.

Rita said that to rescue the country and its people from oppression and persecution, martyred President Ziaur Rahman called for independence. Responding to his call, people of Bengal, regardless of religion or caste, plunged into the Liberation War, achieving Bangladesh with the red and green flag on the global stage.

She further said that in protecting independence, the constitution, democracy, and resolving the national crisis, the role of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman during the 2024 mass uprising was historic. Due to his right guidance and farsighted leadership, fascist Hasina was forced to flee the country on August 5 under the pressure of the mass movement, marking the beginning of a new Bangladesh free from fascism.

Afroza Khanam Rita also stated that BNP, founded by the proclaimer of independence, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, is the most popular political party in the country, and nationalist leader Tarique Rahman is its Acting Chairman. Those who are running various propaganda campaigns to undermine their patriotism and popularity are enemies of the nation and the country. They can never bring welfare to the nation. She called for building a united public opinion to resist such evil forces.

She added that there is no alternative to BNP for the welfare of the country. That is why the nation has gathered under BNP’s banner today. She advised strengthening the organizational structure further to realize future possibilities.

Rita expressed her optimism that, in fulfilling the dream of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and implementing the 31-point agenda of state reforms announced by Tarique Rahman, BNP leaders and activists in Manikganj — known as a BNP stronghold — will work shoulder to shoulder, overcoming all divisions, to ensure the victory of the sheaf of paddy symbol in every constituency.

She also sought prayers for the quick recovery of party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and the good health and long life of Tarique Rahman. Earlier in the day, she attended the annual sports competition and prize-giving ceremony of Jagir High School in Sadar Upazila as the chief guest.