SYLHET, Sept 6, 2024 (BSS) - Vice Chairman of National Executive Committee of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Shamsuzzaman Dudu today said that M Saifur Rahman was the best economist of South Asia.

“He has secured a place in the hearts of people through his merit and skills. The base of Bangladesh's economy was established by him,” he said.

He was addressing as chief guest at a memorial meeting and doa mahfil, marking the 15th death anniversary of renowned politician and former finance and planning minister M Saifur Rahman, at Shilpakala academy here.

Saifur Rahman Memorial Sangsad organized the memorial meeting with BNP chairperson’s adviser and former mayor of Sylhet City Corporation Ariful Haque Chowdhury in the chair.

The Vice Chairman said M Saifur Rahman was a complete politician. “We could not evaluate him properly … If he was born in the US or the UK, he could have been the president of that country,” he added.  

Shamsuzzaman Dudu said, “M Saifur Rahman, was one of the close companions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and one of the pioneers of BNP. Saifur Rahman was the person who showed the path of light to BNP during the time of difficulties.”

The BNP leader said ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken shelter in the neighboring country and plotting various conspiracies against the country.

He said, “16 years of BNP's struggle has come to an end through the students’ movement. We are grateful to them. But this fight is not over. A neighbouring country has given shelter to dictator Hasina. Various conspiracies are being carried out from there. The BNP leaders should be aware about this.”

Warning party's leaders and workers Dudu said, “Those who perform controversial activity cannot be workers of BNP. Disciplinary and legal action will be taken against those who try to damage the party’s reputation for personal gains,” he added.

Artist Saleh Ahmad Khosroor moderated the meeting, while Adviser to BNP chairperson Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Central Co-Loan Affairs Secretary Bir Muktijoddha Abdur Razzak, Central Co-Organizing Secretary and Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Acting President Miftah Siddiqui, Central Executive Committee Member and District BNP Ex-President Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, District BNP General Secretary Advocate Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, Sylhet City BNP general secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury, former vice-president of Central Doctors Association (DAB) Dr Shamimur Rahman, acting VC of Sylhet Agricultural University Professor Dr Siddiqul Islam, Dean of Veterinary Faculty, Animal and Biomedical Sciences of Sylhet Agricultural University professor Dr M Rashed Hasan and Shahjalal Science and Technology University former dean of mathematics Professor Dr Sajidul Karim spoke in the meeting.

Maulana Redwan Ahmad, Imam and Khatib of Kumarpara Jame Masjid led prayers seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of M Saifur Rahman.