Only BNP can safeguard country, independence: Mintoo

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organized by BNP's Daganbhuiyan Upazila and Municipal units on the occasion of the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

"One party only talks about independence. But neither it declared independence nor wanted it. Another party opposed independence. At that critical moment, Major Ziaur Rahman declared independence," Mintoo said.

The minister said Zia took part in the armed struggle and provided leadership during the Liberation War. Later, under his leadership, the country underwent significant changes, he added. 

He said Ziaur Rahman, who was founder of BNP, was brutally assassinated on May 30, 1980. 

Subsequently, Zia's wife Begum Khaleda Zia carried forward his ideals and also contributed to nation-building, said Mintoo.

After a long period, the people once again got the opportunity to exercise their voting rights and gave their mandate to the BNP through a free and fair general election on February 12 this year, he mentioned. 

Upholding the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and late Khaleda Zia, their able son current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has once again set the country on the path of development, he said.

Regarding drug abuse and juvenile gangs, the minister said responsibility lies not only with parents but also with teachers, social and political leaders, and the administration. 

Everyone must work together to establish peace and order, he said

In this regard, Mintoo said, BNP leaders and activists have a greater responsibility than others. 

Since they are in government, party leaders and workers must play a leading role in ensuring public peace and security, he said.

He urged everyone to remain united, setting aside internal differences. 

He said that competition may exist within a large party, but it should not turn into hostility.

Upazila BNP President Md. Akbar Hossain chaired the programme which was moderated by Municipal BNP Member Secretary Humayun Kabir Babu.

BNP National Executive Committee member Advocate Mezbah Uddin Khan, District BNP Convener Sheikh Farid Bahar, Member Secretary Alal Uddin Alal, Joint Convener Prof M.A. Khalek, Gazi Habibullah Manik, Jubo Dal leader Nasir Uddin Khondokar, Upazila Jubo Dal Convener Kabir Ahmed Diplu, Member Secretary Monsur Uddin Bhuiyan, Chhatra Dal leader Saimun Haque Rajib, former Chhatra Dal leader Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan Hudon, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Later, a munajat was conducted by Maulana Enayetur Rahman seeking eternal peace of departed soul of Ziaur Rahman, reports BSS.