BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the party gives the highest importance to public opinion and voting rights, describing the protection of democratic rights as a BNP commitment. He made the remarks in a message issued Monday ahead of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s 48th founding anniversary on Tuesday. Rizvi said BNP was established under the leadership of its founder, the late President Ziaur Rahman, to protect national independence and sovereignty, establish democracy and secure people’s rights.

Rizvi described Bangladeshi nationalism and multiparty democracy as BNP’s core ideals, saying Zia’s 19-point programme remains the basis of the party’s political, social, economic and cultural activities. He paid tribute to Zia, former prime minister Khaleda Zia and party activists who made sacrifices for the organisation. He also called on leaders, activists, supporters and the public to remain united under the BNP banner.

He said BNP is working to implement electoral commitments on public security, rule of law, justice, human dignity and democratic values. Rizvi said the party aims to address hunger, poverty, unemployment, inequality and social injustice, while ensuring social protection for people across different occupations and groups.