Khaleda calls for building inclusive Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia Thursday urged for constituting an inclusive Bangladesh with love bypassing any vengeance and killing.

She also urged the formation of a "united country" by actively involving the people. She made this appeal from London while virtually addressing leaders from various sectors during her party's extended meeting.

The meeting, held on the grounds of the LD Hall of the Parliament, was presided over by BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who also joined virtually from London.

Over 4,000 BNP leaders from municipalities, thanas, and districts participated in the event along with the party's senior leaders.

In her speech, Khaleda emphasised the need for unity and collective effort to bring about positive democratic change in Bangladesh.

"People from all walks of life, especially the youth, are eagerly awaiting a democratic transformation. We must set aside our narrow-mindedness and work for the greater good of the nation," she said.

Khaleda also warned against the ongoing conspiracies by fascist allies and enemies of Bangladesh to undermine the achievements of the mass uprising.

"From the UK, despite my illness, I appeal to you all to unite and strengthen the BNP. Let us lead the movement, struggle, and governance of the state with coherence and inclusivity, as we have done before," she said.

She advised overcoming the current challenges through unwavering unity.

"We must thwart their conspiracies by uniting the people with an ironclad bond. Together, we can build a democratic Bangladesh," she stated.

Khaleda, the former prime minister of the country, also mentioned the vision of late president Ziaur Rahman, calling for a modern, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh.

"Let us dedicate all our efforts to realise this dream and honour the sacrifices made by consolidating our achievements and accelerating unity," she said.

The BNP chairperson appealed to the nation, including students and youths, to work together to transform Bangladesh into a liveable, developed, and democratic country.

"Through mutual love and brotherhood, let us build a nation that truly reflects our aspirations," she urged.

Khaleda is currently receiving treatment at her son Tarique Rahman's residence in London under the supervision of specialists from London Clinic.

She was transported to London on January 7 this year via a special air ambulance arranged by the emir of Qatar. After being treated at the London Clinic, she was discharged to continue receiving treatment at home.

Reflecting on the political landscape, she expressed gratitude for the reunification of leaders in a "fascist-free Bangladesh" after a long time.

"I am thankful to Allah for this moment. I pay tribute to the martyrs of the anti-fascist struggle and those who lost their lives in the recent genocide due to the brutal repression in July-August. My heartfelt condolences also go to the injured," she said.

Despite her absence, Khaleda assured her unwavering support for the people.

"Even though I am in the UK for treatment, I am always with you. For 15 years, you have fought tirelessly for democracy and my freedom. Countless colleagues have sacrificed their lives, endured oppression, and faced nearly 1.25 million false cases. They continue to seek justice in court. Your sacrifices will be remembered not just by the party but also by the entire nation," she emotionally remarked.

Khaleda said, "Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the people and students, the fascist rulers have been ousted, and an interim government is in place. The people now expect swift minimum reforms and elections acceptable to all to restore the democratic system."

She again expressed gratitude to the acting chairman, senior leaders, and party members for their dedication in her absence.

"I am confident that you will work in unison in the upcoming elections, inspired by the ideals of late president Ziaur Rahman. Let us not waste the opportunities created by the struggles and sacrifices made over the years. Remember, the party is greater than the individual, and the country is greater than the party," she concluded.

Speaking on the occasion, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused a group of conspiring to undermine democracy in Bangladesh.

He expressed deep concern over the country's current state, citing a deteriorating economic situation, rising commodity prices, and a decline in law and order.

The meeting was held on the LD Hall premises of the Jatiya Sangsad.

Fakhrul said, "We have defeated fascism and ousted Sheikh Hasina. Now, we await the realisation of the people's hopes and aspirations, as well as the vision of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, to transform Bangladesh into a modern and prosperous nation."

"However, a certain group is actively conspiring to disrupt democracy and create obstacles. Sheikh Hasina is attempting to achieve this by seeking support abroad, while external forces and some internal elements are misleading the public with distorted narratives about the country's situation," he said.

Fakhrul also addressed the aftermath of the political shift on August 5 last year, noting, "After the fall of the fascist Hasina regime and her departure to India, people expected significant changes. They hoped for the restoration of voting rights and the ability to elect their representatives freely. However, it is disheartening to see that no clear steps have been taken in that direction."

He urged party leaders and workers to remain patient, emphasising that the 16-year struggle must not be derailed by actions that could harm the party's reputation or disrupt its mission. "We must wait patiently to turn our fight into reality."

However, most of the senior leaders of the party reminded the audience of BNP's founding principles, encapsulated in late president Ziaur Rahman's message, "The party is greater than the individual, and the country is greater than the party."

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