Pabna, Sept 2 (V7N) — Zakaria Pintu, former Joint Secretary of the Pabna District unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a nomination aspirant for the Pabna-4 constituency, has warned of what he described as "dangerous conspiracies" being orchestrated against the country. Speaking at a large public rally in Ishwardi on Monday to mark the BNP’s 47th founding anniversary, Pintu called on party members and supporters to remain united and prepared for any sudden change in the political landscape.
 
Addressing the gathering after a colorful procession through the town, Pintu said, “The situation in the country may change at any moment. We must unite now and be ready to return to the streets, as we did in the past.” He expressed deep gratitude to the people of Ishwardi, saying their unwavering support continues to inspire him.
 
“We must stay united so that no conspiratorial group can exploit any divisions among us. In December, we may need to take to the streets again. Let us prepare from now. Those who work on the ground and have the qualifications should come forward under the symbol of the sheaf of paddy,” he added, referring to the BNP’s electoral symbol.
 
Pintu also criticized repeated efforts to "destroy" the BNP, stating, “There have been continuous attempts to eliminate the party, but BNP has always risen again, inspired by the ideals of President Ziaur Rahman. We have resisted fascism in the past with the sacrifice of lives on the streets.”
 
He emphasized that BNP members are soldiers of the ideology of late President Ziaur Rahman and that their mission is to serve the people with integrity and patriotism. “We must follow the party’s constitution and rules. I call on everyone to vote for the sheaf of paddy to bring victory to BNP in the upcoming election,” he said.
 
Pintu, who was previously convicted in the high-profile Sheikh Hasina assassination attempt case and sentenced to death, was released from prison following political changes on August 5. He now aims to transform the neglected Ishwardi region into a role model if elected.
 
Other local BNP leaders, including former Ishwardi Upazila BNP President Shamsuddin Malitha, former Ishwardi Municipal BNP General Secretary S. M. Fazlur Rahman, and former Secretary of the local Volunteer Wing Mehedi Hasan, also addressed the event.
 
The anniversary celebration began at 5:30 p.m. with a large rally that started from Nazimuddin High School and concluded at the local bus terminal. Thousands of leaders and activists from BNP, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and other affiliated organizations took part in the program, dancing, singing, and celebrating the party's founding with enthusiasm.
 
Zakaria Pintu is a former senior leader of Pabna BNP and previously served as General Secretary of the Ishwardi municipal BNP. His release from prison earlier this month has sparked renewed political activity in the region, particularly as the BNP seeks momentum ahead of the national elections expected in early 2026.
 
END/MSR/SMA/