The Kalia upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) observed 'National Revolution and Solidarity Day' on Saturday with a large rally and a discussion meeting, commemorating the events of November 7, 1975, which the party credits with restoring multi-party democracy in the country.
The event, held at the South Jogania Khan Saheb Primary School premises under Naragati police station, drew thousands of leaders, activists, and supporters from all 14 unions of the upazila and the Kalia municipality area.
The programme, which spanned the afternoon, was marked by a vibrant rally featuring party flags, banners, and chanting activists, followed by a detailed discussion session.
The meeting was presided over by BNP Naragati Thana unit Vice-President Lashkar Firoz Ahmed. The chief guest was B.M. Nagib Hussain, a BNP leader and former professor of Jagannath University.
A significant number of local and expatriate party leaders addressed the gathering as special guests. Notable among them were Kalia Upazila BNP President Sardar Anwar Hossain, Zahirul Islam Zahir, the General Secretary of the America Texas State BNP, and senior members of the party's associated wings like the Krishak Dal and Sramik Dal.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest Professor B.M. Nagib Hussain framed November 7 as a pivotal moment in the nation's history. "November 7 remains an unforgettable day in the nation's history," he stated, "as the combined uprising of soldiers and people on that day in 1975 ended political instability and paved the way for the restoration of multi-party democracy, freedom of speech and press, and the rule of law."
He eulogized the party's founder, the late President Ziaur Rahman, as a "patriotic and courageous soldier who sowed the seeds of nationalist ideology and led the nation toward progress, development, and prosperity."
The event also served as a platform to pay tribute to recently deceased senior BNP leaders. Professor Hussain specifically highlighted the sacrifices and contributions of the late BNP minister Tariqul Islam and the late BM Bakir Hussain, a prominent labour leader within the party's fold.
The discussion was skillfully moderated by former president of Kalia Upazila Chhatra Dal, Mahinur Islam Mahi. The programme concluded with a sense of solidarity and renewed political resolve among the participants.
