BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stated that the pro-democracy people of the country are the ultimate source of all political power for the BNP, adding that another name for the party is the struggle to build a welfare-oriented, democratic, and self-reliant Bangladesh.

He made these remarks in a message issued on Monday (August 31) on the eve of the party’s 48th founding anniversary.

Extending greetings and congratulations to leaders, activists, well-wishers at all levels, and the citizens of the country, Tarique Rahman said that the 48th founding anniversary of the BNP—a party defined by courage, struggle, sacrifice, and success—is a day of joy, enthusiasm, and inspiration for the people of Bangladesh.

He noted that on this auspicious afternoon in 1978, at the open grounds of Ramna Batamul (Ramna Restaurant premises) in Dhaka, the proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence and former President Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The establishment of the BNP marked a landmark event in the history of restoring democracy in Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister recalled that on January 25, 1975, a cursed single-party "BAKSAL" system was established, stifling freedom of speech, personal liberty, and the path of democracy.

Upon assuming state responsibilities, President Ziaur Rahman first restored democracy in the country and reinstated the political rights of banned political parties.

Building on this continuity, the BNP was established in response to the demands of the time, paving the way for the resurgence of multi-party democracy in Bangladesh.

On the occasion of the party's founding anniversary, Tarique Rahman paid humble tribute to the great proclaimer of independence, successful statesman, and architect of modern Bangladesh, martyred President Ziaur Rahman. He also fondly remembered former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, the late Khaleda Zia.

He remarked that Khaleda Zia, through her charismatic personality and leadership, brought the BNP into every household in Bangladesh.

The Head of Government stated that the BNP, alongside the people, has played the role of an unwavering sentinel not only in establishing democracy and good governance but also in safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty.

Whenever the nation's independence, sovereignty, and democracy have faced threats, leaders, well-wishers, and supporters of the BNP, hand in hand with pro-democracy citizens, have generously laid down their lives.

He added, "I deeply remember the contributions of all leaders and activists at every level who have sacrificed their lives or been injured in the struggle to establish democracy and good governance in the country from the party's inception to this day."

The BNP Chairman noted that whenever the people have had the opportunity to vote fearlessly in free and fair elections, the BNP has been entrusted with governing the country.

During various terms in office, the BNP government took landmark initiatives to strengthen and institutionalize democracy, including the reintroduction of parliamentary democracy and the expansion of women's education.

He stated that due to the party's relentless drive and initiatives to uphold democracy and economic prosperity, the BNP is now the most popular political party among the people of the country.

Tarique Rahman said that following the end of nearly a decade and a half of fascist rule and exploitation, the people of the country have once again given the BNP the mandate to govern through a free, fair, and impartial election.

The BNP aims to repay the people's love by establishing a state accountable to its citizens, and toward that goal, the BNP government is working tirelessly to build Bangladesh into a welfare state.

He further expressed his belief that by maintaining the trust and confidence of the public, every leader, supporter, and well-wisher of the BNP will dedicate themselves to the service of the motherland and play a robust role in the days ahead, Inshallah.

Concluding his message, the Prime Minister said, "On this founding anniversary of the BNP, I once again extend my greetings to the pro-democracy, freedom-loving people of our country."