Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister and BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu said that Ziaur Rahman guided the people of Bangladesh toward development and established democracy in the country. He stated that Bangladesh is proud to have had a leader like Ziaur Rahman. Mintu made these remarks on Sunday, May 31, at a discussion and prayer meeting organized by the Sonagazi Upazila BNP in Feni to mark the death anniversary of the late president and party founder.

During his speech, Mintu also mentioned that after Ziaur Rahman, the late Begum Khaleda Zia worked tirelessly for the people of Bangladesh. He alleged that for the past 17 years, a fascist government had deprived citizens of their democratic rights and ruled through misgovernance. He added that current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to restore those rights.

The event, chaired by Upazila BNP convener Zainal Abedin Babul, included speeches from several local BNP leaders. After the discussion, food and clothing were distributed among about 4,000 poor and needy people, followed by prayers for Ziaur Rahman and Begum Zia.