Moyeen Khan praises Salam Talukder’s honesty and political wisdom.
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan today said former BNP secretary general and former minister Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder always spoke what he believed to be right, regardless of what others might think.
He made the remarks at a discussion and doa mahfil organized marking the 27th death anniversary of Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder at the auditorium of the Institute of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) here this afternoon.
Dr Moyeen Khan said, “I learned one particular thing from him, which I would like to share with you—he always spoke the truth. He never considered what others might think or not think. I also try to follow that particular quality of him.”
“When we saw Salam Talukder as the secretary general of the party, we came to know his personality, wisdom and excellence. It was from him that we learned our lessons in politics,” he said.
Dr Moyeen Khan said Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder was a shining example of the role a secretary general could truly play.
“I have seen, not just once but on several occasions, how Salam Talukder properly carried out his difficult responsibilities as secretary general,” he said.
The minister said he remained eternally grateful to Salam Talukder for helping him advance in politics.
“I may never be able to repay that debt. But whenever I remember him, I feel a pain in my heart that cannot be expressed in words,” he said.
Recalling Salam Talukder’s treatment in the United States, where he had gone for medical treatment, Moyeen Khan said he had been there with him and witnessed his courage and mental strength.
“I saw his morale and mental strength. His political wisdom and firmness were also things to learn from him,” he said.
Referring to Salam Talukder’s relationship with party leaders and activists, Dr Moyeen Khan said there were stories of how BNP leaders and workers would immediately stand up with respect when Salam Talukder called them by telephone.
“When the secretary general picked up the telephone and called any BNP leader or worker anywhere in Bangladesh, we would hear stories that the person answering the call would immediately stand up with the telephone in hand out of respect for Barrister Talukder. We heard this legendary account with our own ears,” he said.
“You will judge for yourselves what level politics has reached today and what level relationships among political leaders and workers have reached,” he added.
Dr Moyeen Khan said he is paying tribute to Salam Talukder with deep respect on the occasion of his 27th death anniversary.
“I believe that not only the people of Bangladesh, but anyone who came to know him even once in their lifetime will never be able to forget him,” he said.
“Not only the people of Sarishabari or Jamalpur, but people across the country will forever remain respectful of his political skills and wisdom,” the minister added.
