Ziaur Rahman is not the sole asset of BNP: Cultural Advisor

Martyred President Ziaur Rahman is not only the sole asset of BNP, he is an important part of Bangladesh's history, said Cultural Affairs Advisor and renowned filmmaker Mostafa Sarwar Farooqui. He said, "It is not right to consider Ziaur Rahman the sole asset of BNP. This is the same mistake that the Awami League once made by making Bangabandhu their own. We want BNP not to make the same mistake."

Farooqui made these remarks as the main discussant at a memorial meeting organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in Chittagong on Friday (May 30) night to mark the 44th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.

He said that from the beginning, he wanted not only BNP leaders and activists, but people from different ideologies and backgrounds to speak at the event. "Ziaur Rahman's contribution should be discussed freely, from a multi-dimensional perspective," he said.

Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui also spoke about the cultural activities of the current government. He said, “We are in charge for a short time. It is not possible to bring about any major changes right now. However, we are trying to spread culture among everyone.”

He said that in order to integrate diverse cultures, the government is trying to celebrate Nababarsho, Buddhist Purnima and other festivals with the participation of all communities. “Nababarsho is not only a Bengali festival, but many other ethnic groups including Chakma, Marma, Garo celebrate it. We are trying to bring them all together,” he said.

Stating that cultural festivals have been organized in five districts including Dhaka on the occasion of this year’s Buddhist Purnima, he said, “The purpose of these festivals is to strengthen ethnic harmony through culture and coexistence.”

Leaders of various political, cultural and professional organizations were present at the memorial service. The speakers highlighted the role of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman in the war of independence, political foresight and contribution to establishing multi-party democracy. Many called for such memorials to be celebrated nationally, not partisanly.