Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday called upon the nation to actively contribute to nation-building by embracing the enduring principles and ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

The Premier made the remarks while addressing separate gatherings prior to distributing clothing and dry food items among the underprivileged in the capital's ECB and Kuril areas.

The events were organized as part of a comprehensive series of national programmes marking the 45th death anniversary of the BNP founder and former President.

Underscoring the core philosophy of the late leader, the Prime Minister stated: “The main objective of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s politics was to serve the country and stand by the people. At the same time, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman taught us how to work for the country and how to build the nation.”

He linked those foundational ideals directly to the day's humanitarian initiatives, adding, “As part of that philosophy, we are standing by disadvantaged people today with a helping hand.”

Tarique Rahman further highlighted that his administration had been formally entrusted with the profound mandate of public service and national reconstruction following the general election held on February 12.

Looking forward, the Prime Minister shared a solemn vision for governance, stating: “We pray to Almighty Allah to grant us the blessings to properly fulfil the opportunity.

He has given us to build the country and stand by its people. Let this be our pledge today, let this be our commitment.”

Following his address, the Prime Minister personally handed out the relief materials to the gathered crowds.

Earlier in the day, at approximately 11 am, Tarique Rahman—acting in his dual role as the party's Chairman—paid rich tributes to Ziaur Rahman on his 45th death anniversary.

He first placed a floral wreath at Ziaur Rahman’s grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in his official capacity as the Prime Minister.

Shortly after, he laid another wreath on behalf of the BNP, accompanied by central members of the party’s Standing Committee, including Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Prof. AZM Zahid Hossain.

Following the central wreath-laying ceremony, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman officially inaugurated the wider relief distribution drive on the Rajdhani High School premises on Manik Mia Avenue by distributing food items among the city's poor.

As part of the day's anniversary observances, essential clothes and dry food items are being systematically distributed at 17 distinct locations across Dhaka city throughout the day.