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pass lightly, it will cause a great loss,” he said while addressing a discussion at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh.

The prime minister said the loss will not be for any individual but for the country and future generations. “So, let us work together to build the country in the way Shaheed Zia wanted and move it forward along the path he envisioned. We must run the country in line with that vision.”

BNP organised the discussion programme, marking the 45th death anniversary of party founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

Tarique said Ziaur Rahman wanted to make Bangladesh self-reliant by gradually developing every sector of the country, and the BNP’s election manifesto reflects that vision.

He said BNP presented its plans to the people before the election, and voters endorsed those plans by giving the party a two-third majority.

“Until February 12, it was BNP’s manifesto. But after the election results, it became the manifesto of the people who voted for it. It is now our responsibility to implement it.”

The prime minister said government programmes will not succeed through the efforts of the ruling party MPs and the cabinet members alone.

“The government can succeed only when party workers support every positive initiative and help implement programmes at the grassroots level.”

Referring to Ziaur Rahman’s contributions, he said many of the policies outlined in the manifesto were inspired by the former president’s initiatives.

Tarique said the manifesto includes programmes similar to Zia’s canal excavation project, as well as plans to expand education, promote industrialisation and create employment opportunities.

Recalling the party’s political struggles, the PM said BNP leaders and activists worked tirelessly before the February 12 election to secure victory and that their responsibilities have not ended with the formation of the government.

“Our hard work must continue. Just as we succeeded through an election, we must now succeed in implementing our goals and commitments. Only then can we become a truly successful government in the eyes of the people,” he said.

Tarique said many party leaders and activists might think they have no direct role because they are not MPs, ministers or elected representatives.

But he stressed that maintaining organisational discipline, carrying out political activities properly and keeping the party strong are important contributions to the government’s success.

The PM urged party leaders and activists to take a fresh pledge on the occasion of Ziaur Rahman’s death anniversary to do that.

“People have given their verdict in favour of our manifesto. Let us work together to implement that manifesto and ensure the success of the government. That will be the best way to pay proper respect to Shaheed Zia.”