Chief Whip of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad (JS) 
Md. Nurul Islam Moni today said BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique 
Rahman is now providing the leadership needed to stand against injustice and 
oppression in the country.

"While national poet Nazrul expressed protest against injustice, oppression 
and exploitation through his writings, Tarique Rahman has been leading the 
struggle for people's rights in the present context," he said.

The Chief Whip made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organised 
by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal at the Akram Khan Hall of the 
Jatiya Press Club here, marking the 50th death anniversary of National Poet 
Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Nurul Islam said Nazrul was not born in every age, but continued to live 
among the people through his works. "He was the poet of protest against 
injustice, oppression and exploitation. At the same time, he was the poet of 
love, humanity, religion and rebellion," he added.

Muhammad Abdul Malik, MP, addressed the programme as special guest while 
Khairul Kabir Khokon, MP, spoke as the keynote speaker.

Nurul Islam Moni said the people of the country had long suffered injustice, 
repression, oppression and human rights violations.

"Incidents like Aynaghar, enforced disappearances, imprisonment and torture 
have created deep scars in people's minds," he continued.

He said Tarique Rahman had led the struggle to establish people's rights 
against such injustices and stood beside the people during difficult times, 
said a press release of parliament secretariat.

The Chief Whip said that the leadership being provided by Tarique Rahman for 
the welfare of the people should be properly understood and supported.

He said Kazi Nazrul Islam addressed various social and state irregularities, 
injustice, hunger, poverty and people's rights through his works.

"He spoke for the people and the oppressed. Therefore, the Bengali nation and 
Bangladesh will remain indebted to Nazrul forever," he said.

"Nazrul was not the poet of any particular community, but the poet of all 
people," Moni said, adding that his writings contained rebellion as well as 
love, humanity and messages concerning people's fundamental rights.

He said Nazrul was not given due recognition during his lifetime and called 
for preserving his ideals and humanistic values rather than merely observing 
his death anniversary through formal programmes.

The Chief Whip said the country's existing problems could not be resolved 
overnight, as overcoming long-standing crises and moving the country forward 
would require time and collective efforts.

"People have to remain patient and everyone must perform their 
responsibilities from their respective positions to take the country 
forward," he said.

Recalling the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Moni said 
Bangladesh had once overcome famine and crisis under his leadership.
"His contribution to advancing the country is memorable. Today's Bangladesh 
also needs to work unitedly to overcome its economic, political and social 
crises," he added.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal President Humayun Kabir Bepari 
presided over the discussion.

Professor Abdul Latif Masum and playwright Babul Ahmed also spoke.
Cultural personalities, leaders of the organisation and media professionals 
attended the programme.