Former prime minister Ataur Rahman Khan worked tirelessly in his illustrious political career to ensure people's democratic rights, said speakers at a memorial event in the capital yesterday.

They said the veteran leader continued to establish the opposition view in a democratic society and that he never felt hesitant to speak about opinion of masses in political atmosphere. “He was an omnipresent soldier who fought for people's democratic rights,” said BNP standing committee member Dr Abdul Moeen Khan. Moeen added that Ataur was a great political leader and a human being.

In observance of his 25th death anniversary yesterday, Ataur Rahman Khan Smriti Sangsad held the memorial programme at Jatiya Press Club.

Ataur Rahman has important contribution to building up the nation and uphold democratic rights in the country, said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Presiding over the event, BNP Vice-Chairman advocate Khandaker Mahbub Hossain urged the organisers to hold more events and seminars on his life and work including those related to law and legal affairs.

Former BNP lawmaker Jainal Abedin Faruk and Dhaka district BNP President Dewan Mohammad Salahuddin, among others, spoke.

He died in Dhaka on December 7, 1991.