PM leads citywide relief drive on Zia's death anniversary

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday took part in a large-scale food and clothing distribution programme for underprivileged people across Dhaka to mark the 45th death anniversary of the ruling BNP's founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

The programme began at around 11:30am at the Rajdhani High School ground adjacent to Manik Mia Avenue. Initiated by Dhaka North and South BNP, the relief drive was simultaneously carried out at 16 locations across the capital.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman personally visited the distribution centres and joined the programme at multiple locations, including Manik Mia Avenue, Shyamoli Square, Government Bangla College area, Pallabi Metro Station, ECB Square, Kuril Bishwaroad, Fuji Trade Centre, Jorpukur Playground, Banglabazar, Jatrabari, Jurain and Dhanmondi.

In addition, he participated in separate food and clothing distribution programmes organised by BNP’s associate and affiliated bodies in front of the party’s central office at Nayapaltan.

Speaking briefly at different venues, the Prime Minister called on citizens to pledge themselves to building the nation in accordance with the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

“Shaheed Zia’s politics was centred on serving people and building the nation. We must continue moving forward by following his ideals,” he said.

The Prime Minister urged people from all walks of life to become actively involved in nation-building, inspired by the vision and philosophy of the former president.

Addressing a gathering at ECB Square, Tarique Rahman noted that the programme had been kept brief to minimise inconvenience to commuters, as it was being held on busy roads across the city.

He stressed the importance of mutual support and social responsibility, saying that every citizen has a role to play in helping others.

“If we all stand beside one another from our respective positions, that will be the truest tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman,” he said.

At Nayapaltan, after distributing food and clothing among disadvantaged people, the Prime Minister urged BNP leaders and activists to continue supporting vulnerable communities.

“Those who have long been associated with the party know that every year, on Shaheed Zia’s martyrdom anniversary, we try to stand beside helpless people. We have done our best according to our capacity, and I urge all of you to do the same—not only through party initiatives, but also through your personal efforts,” he said.

“This was one of Shaheed Zia’s key teachings: to stand beside people in need.”

He further called upon everyone to pledge that they would extend a helping hand to disadvantaged people according to their abilities.

“Let this be our commitment and our achievement on this day,” he added.

During a programme at Jorpukur Field in Khilgaon, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of keeping the city clean and urged citizens to play an active role in maintaining cleanliness.

“We live in Dhaka, we are citizens of Bangladesh. This is our country and this is our city. The city corporation has its responsibilities and is doing its work, but we also have responsibilities as citizens. If we can reduce littering and be more conscious, our city will become cleaner and more liveable,” he said.

He noted that a cleaner city would not only improve public convenience but also contribute to a healthier environment and ease the burden on sanitation workers.

Later, speaking in Jurain, the Prime Minister encouraged people to refrain from littering and to take personal responsibility for keeping public spaces clean.

“When we see clean and beautiful streets in other countries, we often wonder why our own surroundings cannot be the same. The answer is simple—citizens there do not throw waste indiscriminately. One does not need to be an MP, minister, mayor or councillor to keep the environment clean. Every citizen can contribute,” he said.

He urged people to carry small pieces of waste until they could dispose of them properly and to avoid littering public spaces.

“If a stain appears on your shirt, you feel uncomfortable. Likewise, if the place where you live is dirty, it affects everyone. If we all make a conscious effort, InshaAllah, we can build a cleaner and more beautiful country together,” he added.

The Prime Minister also called upon affluent and well-off citizens to come forward in support of disadvantaged people.

“As citizens of the country, if financially capable people step forward alongside government and political initiatives, we will be able to improve the lives of millions much faster,” he said.

He stressed that meaningful social change cannot be achieved through government action alone.

“If every capable individual takes responsibility for helping even one disadvantaged person, it will gradually transform both the lives of people and the overall condition of the country,” he said.

The Prime Minister further appealed to all wealthy and socially conscious citizens to fulfil their humanitarian responsibilities by standing beside those who are less fortunate.

Referring to the government’s broader development agenda, Tarique Rahman said the current administration is working to improve the lives of citizens through employment generation, expanded educational opportunities and various development initiatives.

He noted that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had pioneered a politics focused on improving the lives of ordinary people.

“The people of Bangladesh entrusted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party with the responsibility of governing the country in the election held on February 12. The ultimate source of BNP’s strength is the people. If we continue to receive their support, trust and cooperation, InshaAllah, we will be able to bring positive changes to the lives of our citizens in a short period of time,” he said.

The Prime Minister also emphasised that the country belongs to all its citizens and that national development requires collective participation.

“Bangladesh does not belong to any single government, political party, family or individual. It belongs to its 200 million people. Every citizen is an owner of this country. Therefore, if we want to build a prosperous nation, each of us must become more aware, responsible and engaged,” he said.

In his remarks at various venues, the Prime Minister reiterated that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had taught the nation the importance of standing beside disadvantaged people and contributing to national development through action.

He said the government would continue working to increase prosperity, create employment opportunities and expand access to education through a range of policy initiatives and development programmes.

Earlier in the day, before joining the relief distribution activities, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the grave of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman at Zia Udyan, paid floral tribute and offered prayers. Senior BNP leaders accompanied him during the visit.▫️