Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
The Association of Engineers, Bangladesh (AEB), the country’s sole professional platform for nationalist-minded engineers, organised a discussion marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day 2025 on Thursday evening at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in Dhaka, according to a press release.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi attended the event as the chief guest. Special guests included AEB Acting President and former secretary Engineer ANH Akhter Hossain, AEB Chief Adviser and BNP Media Cell Convener Professor Dr Mowdud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, BNP Science and Technology Affairs Secretary Engineer Ashraf Uddin Bokul, and “Amra BNP Poribar” Convener Atikur Rahman Ruman.
Former MP and AEB Convener Engineer Shahrin Islam Tuhin presided over the event. Engineer Kazi Abul Kashem delivered the welcome address, while Engineers Shamim Rabbi Sonchoy and Shafiul Azam Fahim jointly conducted the session.
In his remarks, Advocate Rizvi said that although Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971, “true freedom” came through the spirit of the November 7 uprising.
“The Bakshal system distorted the people’s identity and curtailed democracy,” he said. “But the National Revolution and Solidarity of 1975 restored sovereignty, democracy, and people’s self-determination under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.”
He added that Ziaur Rahman was “the architect of modern Bangladesh,” introducing agricultural mechanization, ensuring food self-sufficiency, and laying the foundation for national industrialization. “Even today, Sheikh Hasina cannot erase Zia’s legacy, because Bangladeshi nationalism remains deeply rooted in the people’s hearts,” he said.
Speaking as a special guest, Engineer ANH Akhter Hossain said that “while independence was achieved in 1971, the people could not taste real freedom under the Awami League regime.” He noted that Ziaur Rahman respected engineers and used their talents for nation-building, citing the Teesta Barrage project, where he insisted that Bangladeshi engineers, not foreigners, would undertake the work.
Professor Dr Mowdud Hossain Alamgir Pavel described BNP as “a humane political party” that always stands by the people during crises. He said November 7 brought true independence for the people and highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s role in inserting ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’ into the Constitution of Bangladesh. He also called on party members and professionals to work in unity ahead of the 2026 national election.
In his presidential address, Engineer Shahrin Islam Tuhin said Ziaur Rahman’s leadership was indispensable for Bangladesh’s progress. “If Ziaur Rahman had not been born, the country’s independence might never have been fully realised,” he said. “Without BNP, Bangladesh could have become another Bhutan or Cambodia.” He further alleged that both Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina attempted to “undermine the people’s national identity.”
The discussion was attended by AEB Convener Committee members, including Engineer Shoaeb Bashri Hablu, Engineer Helal Uddin Talukder, Engineer Atikur Rahman, Engineer Motahar Hossain, Engineer Muhammad Ahsanul Rasel, Engineer Aminul Islam, Engineer Shaheen Hawlader, Engineer KM Asaduzzaman Chunnu, Engineer Golama Mostafa Khan, Engineer HM Moinul Islam, Engineer Robiul Alam Uzzal, Engineer Muhammad Kamrul Hasan Khan Saiful, Engineer SM Faisal Mahmud, Hasanuzzaman Siddiqui Mithul, Engineer Abdul Momen Talukder Prince, Engineer Alimul Bahar Ripon, Engineer Monsur Ahmed, and Engineer Mahabub Alam, along with other members of various subcommittees.
Engineers from across the country took part in the event, recalling the historical significance of November 7 and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to national development and sovereignty.
Speakers at the end of the programme emphasised unity among nationalist professionals and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening democracy and protecting the dignity of engineers in Bangladesh.