BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu stated that following Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani is equivalent to following Ziaur Rahman, as both leaders worked for the oppressed and the deprived. Speaking at a discussion in Santosh, Tangail, on the 49th death anniversary of Maulana Bhasani, Dudu said Ziaur Rahman popularized the BNP by embodying Bhasani’s ideals and made the party’s symbol, the sheaf of paddy, a symbol of the people’s hearts. He further argued that Tarique Rahman has been organizing the BNP for nearly two decades and leading movements for fair elections and a people-supported government. Dudu also remarked that Bangladesh is now more stable than before, and the peaceful observance of the day proves that the people stand against autocracy and in favor of democracy and freedom. The event was chaired by district BNP president Hasanuzzamil Shahin and attended by several senior party leaders.