State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam has called for recognising party leaders and activists who have made long-term sacrifices and participated in movements and struggles when selecting candidates for local government elections. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon in Bagerhat as chief guest at a discussion and cultural programme marking the BNP’s 48th founding anniversary.

He said those who remained active during the party’s difficult times and stood beside its leaders and activists should receive proper recognition. According to him, candidate selection for upcoming local elections should give importance to qualified, sacrificing and popular leaders and activists.

The state minister also said evaluation should not be limited to organisational posts, but should consider close ties with the public and roles played on the streets during hard times. He urged party members to work in unity to gain public trust. The programme was chaired by Bagerhat district BNP convener ATM Akram Hossain Talim and moderated by member secretary Mozaffar Rahman Alam.