Photo: Messenger
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held an obstructed rally in Dhaka after a long time. A massive number of supporters participated in this gathering. BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who was recently released from prison, delivered a speech at the rally. She called for an end to the cycle of vengeance and retaliation, and urged for building a Bangladesh based on love and peace. The rally was held on Wednesday in front of BNP's central office in Nayapaltan.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presided over the rally organised by the party. In a brief speech given from her hospital bed, BNP Chairperson said, “We must strengthen the hands of the youth who have brought a new independence to Bangladesh through struggle and bloodshed.”
She said, “I thank Allah for being able to speak after being ill for a long time. I express my gratitude to everyone for their movement and prayers for my release from prison.”
She said, “Through long struggles and movements, we have been freed from the hands of a fascist, illegal government. I want to sincerely thank and remember our brave children who have made the impossible possible through their life-and-death struggle. I pay my respects to hundreds of martyrs. This victory has brought us new possibilities.”
She continued, “We must build a prosperous Bangladesh out of long-standing unprecedented corruption and destruction of democracy. Students and youth are our future, they have shed their heart's blood. To fulfill their dreams, we must build a meritocratic, competent, knowledge-based democratic Bangladesh. We must build a Bangladesh free from exploitation. We must ensure a Bangladesh for all religions and ethnicities. Let us strengthen the hands of the youth in building a modern Bangladesh based on progress and equality. Not destruction, not vengeance, let's build a knowledge-based society.”
Addressing the party leaders, activists, and general public regarding the country's emerging situation, BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said from London, “Please do not take the law into your own hands. Do not take the responsibility of justice into your own hands. Set an example of responsibility and human rights, not violence, hatred, and revenge. If anyone tries to commit crimes using BNP's name, catch them and hand them over to the law.”
He commented that anarchy cannot be a solution.
Besides, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on President Md. Shahabuddin to form an interim government without delay. He also demanded that elections be held within three months of forming the interim government.
Claiming that those involved in attacks or vandalism in different parts of the country are not BNP members, the secretary general said, “The Awami League government has had to resign and flee. This victory is yours, all of you. This is a victory for the students, this is your victory. Everyone should be aware to protect the victory that has been achieved. Conspirators may conspire anew. They may try to squander the victory through conspiracy. Let's not give them that opportunity. Those who are doing these things are enemies of the country. They cannot be part of any movement.”
He said, “Those who are vandalising and looting in various areas, different cities and ports are not members of our party. They are not students.”
After more than 15 years, BNP started the rally in front of their party office in Nayapaltan in the capital on Wednesday without any hindrance. The programme began at 3:15pm with a recitation from the Quran on a temporary stage in front of the central office. At this time, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the students killed in the anti-discrimination student movement and political leaders.
Earlier, from the morning, it was observed on the spot that a flood of leaders and activists had descended on the entire area centred around the rally in Nayapaltan and surrounding areas. Leaders and activists were gathering with separate processions. National flags and banners of various leaders were seen in their hands. The entire area was resonant with slogans.
About 100 buses and more than 50 trucks from outside Dhaka were seen parked near the rally site. Leaders and activists from all over the country joined the rally by bus and truck. As the day progressed, the rally spread on one side to the Chief Justice's residence, and on the other side to Nightingale, Fakirapul, and up to Shantinagar.
No police presence was seen throughout the rally. However, an army patrol vehicle was seen making rounds several times.
Messenger/Disha
