Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, MP today said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has initiated grassroots-level politics in Bangladesh.

From 2001 to 2006, he (Tarique Rahman) organised the youth by going to haats and fields across the country, he said, adding that today's BNP has been transformed as a result of that efforts.

The minister said these while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion session of "Zia Smriti Boimela-2026", organised by Zia Smriti Pathagar and Jatiyatabadi Prokashana Sangstha on the Bangla Academy premises marking BNP's 48th founding anniversary.

Speaking about Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Moyeen Khan said he was the bearer of three qualities - discipline, honesty and service to the people. 

"If Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had not dared to declare independence, I have doubts whether Bangladesh would have become independent," he said.

“As bearers of Ziaur Rahman's nationalism, we will continue to serve the people,” he continued. 

Speaking on the history of books, the minister said one has to go back to 3000 BC to trace the history of books, when writing was first created on stone and clay, marking the beginning of the history of books.

From there, books entered their second phase around 500 BC, after which books underwent transformation in Egypt, China and Rome. At that time, the form of the book was called a scroll, he said.

The third phase of books, which is seen today, is called the codex, and today's concept of the book originated from Rome, he said. 

The most important transformation of the book took place in Germany, when the printing press was invented there in 1440, he said, adding that this marked the ancient history of books, after which came the concept of the e-book.

Moyeen Khan further said those who would lead must guide the new generation properly. Due to new technology, many bookshops are closing down, he said, noting that libraries are treasure troves of knowledge. 

That is why, when the Mongols conquered any region, they used to burn down libraries there to destroy the civilisation, he said, pointing that the importance of books in human society can be understood from this history. 

The practice of reading must not be lost, he said, adding that no nation can attain glory without education, and this truth must be understood by every individual.

Syeda Fatema Salam, Vice-President of the central committee of Zia Smriti Pathagar, presided over the event, which was moderated by Amanullah Aman, Organising Secretary of Chhatra Dal. 

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP and Member of Parliament Nilufar Chowdhury, among others, also spoke at the event.