Tarique Rahman stayed beside countrymen despite living as abroad: Rizvi

BNP acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday (18 October) said the Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman always stayed beside the countrymen whenever he lived in a foreign country.

The BNP acting Secretary General said it while paying tributes at the Zia Mausoleum in Zia Udyan in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area in the morning.

Rizvi led the leaders and activists of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) paid tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at their graves, marking the foundation’s 27th founding anniversary.

The foundation has organised various programmes to mark its founding anniversary.

After laying the tributes Rizvi told to media that during the 17 years exile in the UK, Tarique Rahman always inquired the people’s causes in Bangaldesh.

“During the covid pandemic or flood or excessive rain or tornedo and every disaster, Tarique Rahman directed the ZRF to stay beside the vulnerable people,” Rizvi said.

He said, despite living abroad, Tarique Rahman ensured reached financial and food or other assistance to the doorsteps of the vulnerable people.

Later, the BNP leaders offered prayers and joined a munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Zia and Khaleda.

Among those present were ZRF Executive Director Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar, Director and Convener of the 27th Founding Anniversary Celebration Committee Prof Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, and Member Secretary of the celebration committee Prof Dr Sarkar Mahbub Ahmed Shamim.

A special event is scheduled for 5:00pm at Shaheed Abu Sayed International Convention Centre in the capital.

ZRF President and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend the event as the chief guest, while its Vice President Dr Zubaida Rahman, Rizvi and Donar are expected to attend as special guests.

The ZRF began its journey on October 18, 1999, as a non-profit voluntary organisation. BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman established the foundation to preserve the memory of his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Guided by its motto, “A single initiative, a little effort will bring prosperity and make the country self-reliant,” the organisation works for the welfare of poor and disadvantaged people, the organisers said.