CHATTOGRAM, Sept 1,  (V7N) - State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has said the strength of the government lies in the 18 crore people of the country, as they gave their mandate to the incumbent government.

"We were elected through the direct votes of the people. Our primary strength is the 18 crore patriotic Bangladeshis. It is because of you [the people] that we have been elected and have gone to parliament," he said.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion as the chief guest, organized by the Hathazari upazila, municipality and associate units of the BNP this noon to mark the party's 48th founding anniversary.

Mir Helal said, "For the past 17 years, we remained on the streets under the directives of our leader Tarique Rahman, confronting fascist Sheikh Hasina and her cohorts. Our members of parliament are still in the field, and the Hon'ble Prime Minister is also in the field."

He further said, "Today, on the founding anniversary of the BNP, I want to send a message to the people of the country. Come, let us all work together to propel Bangladesh forward on the path of development, progress and prosperity. The events of August 5 took place to change the fortunes of 18 crore Bangladeshis."

The meeting was presided over by Hathazari Upazila BNP Convener Nur Mohammad and conducted by Upazila BNP Member Secretary Gias Uddin. Leaders and activists of various units of the BNP, Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal attended the programme, arriving in joyful processions.

Later, at 12:15 pm, a colourful rally marking the founding anniversary was brought out from the Hathazari bus station premises and concluded in front of the upazila complex. Thousands of leaders and activists participated in the procession.

Earlier, at 11:45 am, national and party flags were hoisted and balloons were released at the party office at the upazila headquarters to mark the anniversary.

It is worth noting that martyred President Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on September 1, 1978, and served as its founding chairman.

Subsequently, his spouse Begum Khaleda Zia led the party for a long period. Following the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on December 30, current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took the helm of the party.

END/AJ/RH