Newly appointed Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday said the BNP had repeatedly played a central role in restoring democracy whenever Bangladesh strayed from its democratic path.

Speaking to journalists after paying tribute to the Liberation War martyrs at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, Khan said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had taken office with a mandate to strengthen democracy, accelerate development and secure citizens’ rights.

“The people of Bangladesh elected Tarique Rahman as prime minister,” Khan said, adding that the government would work to address longstanding problems, build a more dynamic state and restore Bangladesh’s standing internationally.

Khan, a BNP standing committee member, also said younger generations should be taught what he described as the party’s role at critical moments in the country’s history.

Referring to the 1971 Liberation War, he said then-Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from the Kalurghat radio station at a time of uncertainty.

Khan said Zia’s role in the Liberation War deserved greater prominence in the country’s historical narrative.

He also highlighted the political role of former prime minister Khaleda Zia following Ziaur Rahman’s assassination in 1981, saying she took to the streets during the struggle for democracy and emerged as an “uncompromising leader.”

Khaleda became Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister after the restoration of parliamentary democracy in 1991.

Khan portrayed Tarique’s rise to the premiership in 2026 as a continuation of that political legacy, saying the government under his leadership would seek to “rebuild this country anew.”

The remarks came a day after Khan, a lawmaker from the Narsingdi-2 constituency, was sworn in as minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives on Friday evening.

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