Without referring to the main opposition Awami League (AL), she said a party is out to create lawlessness through killings and other criminal activities. "They [the party] are killing people and blaming others to create unrest. They do not love the country...They make malicious statements about it abroad," she said.

The BNP chairperson was addressing a mammoth rally at Paltan Maidan in the city yesterday afternoon before leading a colourful procession to mark the 25th founding anniversary of the party. Tens of thousands of people thronged the rally venue.

BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and city BNP President and Mayor of Dhaka Sadeque Hossain Khoka also spoke on the occasion.

Khaleda said they (a party) are engaged in anti-Bangladesh campaign abroad and have long been telling foreigners that Bangladesh is a fundamentalist and communal country and minorities are being repressed here. But neither the people of Bangladesh nor the foreigners believe those false statements.

The prime minister said the world community now portray Bangladesh as a moderate Muslim democratic country and that its image has brightened despite those evil campaigns.

Khaleda said the then president Ziaur Rahman founded the party when democracy and rule of law were trampled and fundamental human rights, freedom of press and freedom of speech were denied by the government immediately after the independence.

Ziaur Rahman restored multi-party democracy, rule of law, freedom of press and independence of the judiciary and devoted himself to the welfare of people and development of the country, she recalled.

The prime minister said BNP has earned love of the people and a permanent place in their hearts. That is why the party was elected and re-elected to serve the nation and the country, she added.

Khaleda recalled that Ziaur Rahman had implemented massive development programmes within a short time and gained popularity and credibility both at home and abroad. The people had accepted his 19-point programme because it ensured their development and welfare, she added.

"We are following the path of Zia and implementing his 19-point programme," Khaleda said. She narrated her government's achievements.

Khaleda said BNP is a party of the people and only this party can save them against all odds. "The country needs BNP and I strongly believe it has come to stay permanently."

Earlier, the BNP chairperson inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations by releasing colourful balloons to the tune of "Prothom Bangladesh, Amar Shesh Bangladesh".

She later led a big procession that paraded different city streets. Thousands of people joined it carrying banners and portraits of Zia and Khaleda and sheaf of paddy. Many were on horse-drawn carriages and in colourful dresses.

Ministers, MPs, BNP Standing Committee members and senior leaders of the party and its front organisations also took part in the procession.

Juba Dal President Barkatullah Bhulu and General Secretary Moazzem Hossain Alal came to the rally venue on an elephant.