BNP National Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain on Saturday has said that BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had established multi-party democracy in Bangladesh over the grave of the one-party BAKSAL system.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized by the Ghoraghat Poura unit BNP and its affiliated organizations. The meeting was presided over by Ghoraghat Poura unit BNP President Md. Abdus Sattar Milon.

Dr. Zahid Hossain highlighted that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia later established the current parliamentary system of democracy over the previous presidential system, further strengthening the democratic framework.

“Shaheed Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation of multi-party democracy over the ruins of BAKSAL. Later, Begum Khaleda Zia assumed leadership as Prime Minister and institutionalized the parliamentary system. BNP was founded to implement reforms that genuinely serve public welfare. It is the first and only political party with a proven record of implementing reform,” he said.

Dr. Zahid urged BNP leaders and supporters to unite under the party’s 31-point reform agenda to ensure the victory of the ‘sheaf of paddy’ in the upcoming national elections. He also dismissed claims that BNP opposes reform, saying, “Those who suggest BNP resists reform are misleading the public. BNP’s history is one of progress, reform, and building a modern Bangladesh aligned with people’s needs.”

He added, “BNP strives to transform the aspirations of the people into reality. We believe in action, not mere words.”

Poura BNP General Secretary Mukhtar Hossain, Organizing Secretary Al-Mamun, Upazila BNP Joint General Secretary Shahidul Islam Lelin, Poura BNP Vice President Amirul Islam, Upazila Jubo Dal Member Secretary Mofazzal Hossain Mofa, Poura Jubo Dal Member Secretary Sajib Kabir, and Poura Zia Parishad Member Secretary Anwar Hossain Dablu were present at the meeting, along with local BNP leaders, activists, and supporters.