Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain on Sunday said multi-party democracy was introduced in Bangladesh under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
"On November 7, 1975, at a critical juncture for the nation, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman assumed responsibility for the country and played a pivotal role in steering Bangladesh out of a precarious political situation. Multi-party democracy was established under his leadership, safeguarding the nation's independence and sovereignty," said the minister.
"He will remain immortal in the nation's memory," he said, referring to National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme held at Belabo Upazila Parishad premises in Narsingdi to distribute humanitarian assistance, corrugated tin sheets and sewing machines among poor and underprivileged people.
Highlighting Ziaur Rahman's contributions, the minister said Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty would have faced grave risks had he not taken charge on November 7.
He added that Ziaur Rahman did not limit his role to declaring independence but also directly participated in the Liberation War as the commander of Z Force. He later guided the country's economic progress until his death, the minister said.
At the programme, the minister distributed Tk10,000 each among 90 underprivileged people as humanitarian assistance.
Another 56 beneficiaries received two bundles of corrugated tin sheets each, along with Tk6,000 each for house construction. Sewing machines were also distributed among 200 working women.
Officials of the upazila administration and leaders of different associate organisations of BNP in Belabo Upazila attended the programme.
