United Bangladesh Will Never Lose Its Way: PM Tarique Rahman

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman paid tribute at the graves of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on Saturday morning to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day. Following the tributes, he attended a special commemorative event at Banani Army Stadium in the capital.

The Prime Minister arrived at Zia Udyan at 8:30 AM accompanied by central party leaders. After placing wreaths at the graves of the two leaders, he stood in silence before joining a special munajat seeking eternal peace for their departed souls. Present alongside him were BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, and Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni.

At 9:30 AM, Tarique Rahman joined the official program at Army Stadium. Organized under the directive of the Ministry of Defense and supervised by the Armed Forces, the event featured a special display by 3,000 cadets of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) and 500 members of Bangladesh Scouts. Senior military officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, cabinet members, Members of Parliament, and foreign diplomats were in attendance.

During his address, the Prime Minister stated that the 1971 war was for achieving independence, while 2024 was for protecting it. He noted that November 7 defined the country's future roadmap, spearheaded by patriotic soldiers and the masses. He expressed optimism that as long as the nation remains united in the spirit of nationalism, Bangladesh will not lose its way.

"Our pledge should be that no one will ever be able to snatch the rights of the people again," Rahman said. He recalled that conspirators seeking to turn Bangladesh into a vassal state and destroy the pride of the armed forces were thwarted by the soldier-people unity on November 7. He warned that those conspiracies continued, referencing the Pilkhana massacre and the subsequent establishment of fascism. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe, humane, prosperous, and dignified Bangladesh.

To further mark the day, BNP organized a colorful procession starting at 3:00 PM from its Nayapaltan central office. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to participate in the procession on foot. The march will proceed through Kakrail, the Hotel Intercontinental intersection, Banglamotor, and Farmgate, before concluding at Manik Mia Avenue.