Message from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on the 47th Founding Anniversary of BNP

Message

“Forty-seven years ago, at a time of grave national crisis, the great proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, proponent of multi-party democracy, and revered statesman Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on September 1, 1978 with the commitment to restore multi-party democracy and safeguard national independence and sovereignty.

Shaheed Zia had deep and unwavering faith in democracy. I pray for the eternal peace of his departed soul.

At a time of extreme national crisis and under an atmosphere of misrule, when the nation was engulfed in repression and persecution, it was BNP Chairperson and Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia who, with infinite courage, led the indomitable movement. I express my sincere respect to her as the symbol of fearless struggle.

I also convey my deepest respect to all leaders and activists who have sacrificed their lives in establishing and protecting BNP. I pray for the salvation of their departed souls.

On this auspicious day, I extend my genuine greetings and congratulations to all levels of party leaders, activists, supporters, well-wishers, and the people of Bangladesh.

‘Bangladeshi Nationalism’ and multi-party democracy are the core principles of BNP. The party’s 19-point political, social, economic, and cultural program has been widely embraced by the people. As the founder of BNP, President Ziaur Rahman emphasized that ‘Bangladeshi identity,’ based on our history, tradition, culture, and geographical territory, is distinct from our neighboring countries and unique to us.

Therefore, BNP leaders and activists remain steadfast and uncompromising in their tireless commitment to defending independence and sovereignty.

On this historic day of BNP’s 47th founding anniversary, I urge all party leaders and activists to devote themselves wholeheartedly to making the party stronger, more dynamic, and better organized.

After more than a decade and a half, democracy was restored through the selfless sacrifices of students and people in the historic mass uprising of July–August last year, which led to the fall of the tyrannical Awami regime. Now, to firmly establish multi-party democracy on strong foundations, all pro-democracy parties must work together. For too long, enforced disappearances and killings were a constant source of fear in people’s lives.

Only through free and fair elections and strengthening the rule of law can citizens’ freedoms be ensured. The authoritarian structures built during misrule must be uprooted entirely, and in their place we must establish a tolerant, peaceful, and just society built on human dignity and equality.

We must dedicate ourselves to uprooting violence and terror-based politics and to ensuring the growth of democracy in state and society.

The historic people’s movement of last year opened up new possibilities with the fall of autocracy. Those opportunities, now as clear as daylight, must be gradually realized step by step. To guarantee the safety and security of people’s lives and property, the practice and continuity of multi-party democracy must be advanced at the state level.

As a people-oriented party, BNP has always stood by the joys and sorrows of the people. Whenever BNP has been in power, it has prioritized agriculture, industry, trade, economic development, education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.

On this auspicious day of our founding anniversary, I call upon all BNP leaders, activists, and the people of Bangladesh to remain united under the flag of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party - BNP.”