State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin has said Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been a guiding force for the country and its people during times of distress and adversity.

She made the remarks while addressing a pre-procession rally at Bagatipara upazila BNP office premises today, marking BNP's 48th founding anniversary.

She said BNP came forward whenever people faced hardship or democracy was disrupted, and played a role in restoring democracy.

Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman founded the party, followed by Begum Khaleda Zia's leadership and, at present, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, she said.

Farzana said the government inherited major challenges, including debt, electricity, gas, fuel shortages, corruption and drugs and is working to address them alongside ensuring development and public welfare.

She said the government wants to build "future Bangladesh, humane Bangladesh, Bangladesh for everyone and Bangladesh first," seeking people's cooperation and unity.

Referring to the demises of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, she said the party would turn its grief into strength and continue working for the country.

Among others, former Bagatipara Upazila Parishad Chairman Hafizur Rahman and former Gopalpur Municipality Mayor Md Mosharraf Hossain attended the rally.

Later, Farzana handed over grant cheques to seven fire-affected businessmen and seven other people suffering from incurable diseases.

She also joined a BNP anniversary discussion at Lalpur.

Ajkaler Khobor/MK