PABNA, JUNE 01 (V7N) – K.M. Anwarul Islam, former Member of Parliament for Pabna-3 constituency and former president of Chatmohar Upazila BNP, today lauded late President Ziaur Rahman as a "hard worker and a people-oriented leader," whose influence "spread like a meteor across the country for the people." He urged followers to "follow his ideals."

Speaking at a discussion and prayer meeting commemorating the 44th martyrdom anniversary of former President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, held at his residence in Pathanpara Mohalla, Chatmohar Municipality, Pabna, on Friday afternoon, Anwarul Islam emphasized Ziaur Rahman's undeniable global recognition. "No other president or great hero of our country, among them, had such justice and relationship with the poor and suffering as Shaheed Ziaur Rahman," he asserted. "He rushed out like a meteor for the people in villages across the country. He came to this Chatmohar three times. His interest was the people. We will not get Martyr President Ziaur Rahman back. But we will get his ideals back. We have to follow his ideals."

Anwarul Islam also questioned the current political landscape, asking, "Why is it that such a big victory, achieved by our political position through organizing students, is fading away? The purpose of this victory was a democratic process, we hoped, the countrymen hoped that elections would be held soon. We all understand that there is something in this because of the obstacles in this election."

The former MP stressed the importance of unity within the party. "Winning or losing is not a shame. We will all be under the same umbrella. If we can stay together, then we will not be defeated. We will all stay together so that you do not go astray. If necessary, we will protest together. If we can protest for the country, protest to maintain the identity of our area, if there is chaos in my party, then we are ready to protest to choose the right leadership."

The discussion meeting, moderated by former organizing secretary of Chatmohar Upazila BNP, Principal Abdur Rahim Kalu, also featured speeches by former joint secretary of Upazila BNP, Abdul Quddus Alo; former chairman of Mathurapur Union Parishad, Abul Kalam Azad; former office secretary of Upazila BNP, Advocate Ashrafuzzaman Halim; convener of Upazila Volunteer Party, Rezaul Karim; member secretary of Upazila Jubo Dal, Faruk Hossain; convener of Municipal Jubo Dal, Tanvir Jewel Likhon; joint convener of Upazila Chhatra Dal, Tariqul Islam Shimul; and Ekramul Haque Mamun. Leaders of BNP and various allied organizations were also present.

The program concluded with prayers for the eternal peace of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, led by Maulana Md. Monowar Hossain, Imam of Pathanpara Jame Mosque.