BNP took charge of govt with Tk30 lakh crore debt burden: Mir Helal

State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin has said the BNP took charge of the government with a debt burden of Tk30 lakh crore, and that reviving the economy will take time and require collective effort.

"The task of rebuilding the country from the ashes has only just begun. It will take time and everyone's cooperation to overcome this difficult situation, revive the economy and meet people's expectations," he said at a preparatory meeting at the Chattogram Metropolitan BNP office today (29 August).

The meeting was held ahead of the BNP's 48th founding anniversary, which will be observed on 1 September.

Mir Helal alleged that "defeated and fugitive forces" were creating artificial crises and attempting to destabilise the country through collusion.

He said the BNP would work in the national interest and politically resist any attempts to undermine the country's stability, democratic environment and people's interests.

"The BNP will not bow to conspiracies by any evil force. The party is ready to join hands with all patriotic forces to thwart any conspiracy," he said.

Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Convener and Chattogram-8 lawmaker Ershad Ullah said the BNP had come to power through a neutral election following years of struggle, sacrifice and perseverance.

"Whenever the people of Bangladesh have had the opportunity, they have entrusted the BNP with governing the country. We must, at all costs, live up to the trust and confidence they have placed in the party," he said.

He announced that the party would hold a rally at the Old Railway Station premises in Chattogram at 3pm on 1 September to mark its 48th founding anniversary and urged BNP leaders and activists to attend.

Ershad also called on party activists to maintain discipline, unity and responsibility during the anniversary programme.