Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has said the BNP remains committed to late President Ziaur Rahman’s vision of a society where people of all religions live together in harmony.
“BNP leaders and activists carry forward Zia’s ideals and work alongside people of all faiths as one,” Moyeen said on Tuesday evening.
The BNP Standing Committee member was speaking to journalists after attending Durga Puja celebrations at the Mirzapur residence of renowned philanthropist Ranada Prasad Saha in Tangail.
“I come to Ranada Prasad Saha’s Durga Puja pavilion every year. There is a distinct atmosphere here. Everyone enjoys the festivities together. I hope this environment always remains,” he said.
Moyeen watched an arati performed by students of Bharateswari Homes at the historic puja venue.
He earlier arrived at the Kumudini Complex and crossed the river by boat to reach the pavilion.
There, he presented a bouquet to Rajib Prasad Saha, managing director of Kumudini Welfare Trust, conveying Durga Puja greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Also attending the celebration, lawmaker Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, described the autumn festival as a source of national pride.
Asked about reports of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s possible return to Bangladesh, Siddiqui said the decision was entirely hers.
“We did not ask her to leave, nor will we ask her to return. Whether she comes back is her own matter,” he said.
“She fled while serving as prime minister. There are laws in this country. Let us see how she returns.”
Mirzapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Zahirul Alam, Kumudini Welfare Trust directors Srimati Saha, Pratibha Mutsuddi and Mahabir Pati Chandan, Kumudini Women’s Medical College principal Abdul Halim, Bharateswari Homes principal Mandira Chowdhury and Kumudini Hospital deputy director Animesh Bhowmik Liton were among those present.
Tangail District BNP president Hasanuzzaman Shahin, Assistant Superintendent of Police Adnan Mustafiz, Mirzapur police station officer-in-charge Abdullah Al Mamun, Upazila BNP general secretary Salah Uddin Arif, and Municipal BNP leaders Hazrat Ali Mia and SM Mohsin also attended.