DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said those who are spreading propaganda about the proclamation of independence, they now are giving a new formula about first president of the country.

The premier made the remarks on Thursday evening while addressing a discussion on Independence Day organized by Awami League at the Bangladesh Krishibid Institution auditorium.

Hasina said for long days BNP have been saying that Ziaur Rahman proclaimer of the country’s independence. Now, they are saying he was also the first President.

The PM also said that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the first President.

About upazila polls, Hasina also underscored the need for holding all the local government elections under political banners as the non-partisan system cannot help properly assess the popularity of a political party at the grassroots level.

BDST: 1943 HRS, MAR 27, 2014