Staff Reporter :
In her first public address in six years, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has called for a departure from the politics of revenge, advocating instead for a future built on peace and unity.
Speaking virtually from hospital, Khaleda Zia addressed a grand rally organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at Nayapaltan in the capital on Wednesday.
“We must move away from the path of vengeance,” Khaleda Zia stated. “It is essential to create a united Bangladesh from the remnants of a dismantled democracy.”
The former Prime Minister’s speech marked her return to public life since 2018. She urged the nation to focus on building a new Bangladesh, stressing the importance of a knowledge-based society founded on love and peace.
“We need to strengthen the hands of our youth and foster a society free from destruction and revenge,” Khaleda Zia emphasised. “We aim to build a Bangladesh that values intelligence, competence, and knowledge, ensuring it is inclusive of all religions and castes.”
Khaleda Zia also expressed her gratitude to those who have fought for the nation’s progress. “We have emerged victorious from the clutches of a fascist, illegitimate regime,” she said, paying tribute to the martyrs and brave students who contributed to the cause.
“Let us build a democratic Bangladesh free from exploitation,” she added. “We must empower our youth to lead our nation towards progress and equality.”
In a related development, President Mohammed Shahabuddin granted Khaleda Zia’s release from jail on Tuesday by commuting her prison terms under Article 49 of the Bangladesh Constitution.
Meanwhile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, speaking virtually from England, called for immediate national elections and urged party leaders and activists to serve as a protective shield in their communities. He stressed the importance of ensuring safety for all individuals, irrespective of their religion or caste.
“Let us set an example by protecting our friends and neighbours, regardless of their beliefs or identities,” Tarique Rahman urged. “It is crucial that we address the current anarchic situation and resist any attempts to destabilise the country.”
He also called on the administration to maintain strict control over law and order, emphasising the need for safety and security for all citizens. “We must address this as a priority,” he said.
Tarique Rahman further urged that even BNP leaders and activists should be held accountable if they engage in violence or criminal activities. “The police are not our enemies,” he asserted. “The current regime has forced the police to act against the people, and efforts are being made to destabilise the country further.”
The rally, held following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, was attended by tens of thousands of party supporters. The event began at 2:40 pm with a recitation from the Holy Quran, and featured numerous party members carrying placards and festoons, chanting slogans against the former government.
Senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also spoke at the rally, reflecting the party’s ongoing commitment to their cause.