Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia urged on Wednesday the countrymen to build a society based on love, affection and peace avoiding the path of destruction, revenge and vengeance.
"Youths of the country have shed their blood to realise a dream. We must build a knowledge-based democratic Bangladesh to implement the youths' dream," she said while addressing virtually from her residence a mammoth rally in front of the party's Nayapaltan central office in the capital.
"I express profound gratitude to Almighty Allah as I have got the opportunity to address before you (people). During my stay in prison, you (people) struggled a lot and prayed for my release. For this reason, I extend my heartfelt thanks to you (people)," she continued.
"We have got freedom from the clutches of a fascist and illegal government through long struggle, movement and sacrifice. I sincerely give my warmest thanks to our brave sons and daughters and people who made it (unseat the government) possible. I show my profound respects to hundreds of martyrs (who lost their lives in the recent student-people movement). This victory gave us a new opportunity," she maintained.
Calling upon the countrymen, Begum Zia further said, "We have to build a prosperous Bangladesh by overcoming years old unprecedented level of corruption and democracy that was laid under the rubble (during the immediate past Awami League regime)."
"Students and youths are our future. We must build a prosperous Bangladesh free from exploitation. We must ensure rights of all people irrespective of caste, creed and religion," she stated.
"I call upon you (countrymen) to come forward for building a Bangladesh based on peace, progress and equality. Let us strengthen the hands of the youths," she continued.
"No destruction, no vengeance. Let's build a society based on peace and knowledge," she stated.
While addressing the rally virtually from London, acting chairman of BNP Tarique Rahman called upon all not to indulge in violence and restore peace and stability in the country.
He demanded formation of the interim government without wasting time.
He said that those who were the collaborators of the fallen autocrat (Sheikh Hasina) must not be inducted in the interim government. While presiding over the rally, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir demanded formation of the interim government immediately.
"We (BNP) call upon (those concerned) to form interim government and hold national elections within the next three months. So form the interim government without any delay," he said.
He requested all including students to be united through avoiding jealousy and malice to solidify the victory.
Earlier leaders and activists of the party thronged the BNP central office in processions for different corners of the city and outside before the rally.
The rally also observed a one-minute silence in remembrance of the students, people and political activists who had sacrificed their lives during the recent Anti- Discrimination Student Movement.
The participants at the rally carrying national flags and festoons chanted slogans in favour of the party's chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
Standing committee members of BNP Dr Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan, Mirza Abbas, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Selima Rahman were present, among others.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com