New Delhi: The leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the country’s main opposition party, urged citizens to shun violence and also called for early elections at a rally held Wednesday at its central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka.
“We’ve been freed from a fascist and illegal government through a long struggle and sacrifice. I want to thank the brave people who struggled hard to make the impossible possible. I pay my tribute to hundreds of martyrs. This victory brings us a new prospect,” said former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo reported.
Zia added: “Let us build the future Bangladesh on the basis of peace, progress and equality, by strengthening the hands of the youth. Not anger or revenge.”
Zia was convicted in 2018 on corruption charges and served two years in prison before being released and placed under house arrest in 2020. The ailing leader was released from house arrest Tuesday, a day after Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced that she would be freed.
This was the first rally of the BNP after prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country Monday, ending her 15-year rule, following weeks of protests against her government.
Tarique Rahman, the vice chairperson of the BNP and Zia’s son, also called for early elections at the rally. Rahman, who is currently in London, appeared at the event via video link.
“Transfer power to a democratic government by holding elections at the earliest… the conspiracy is not over yet, it is ongoing. We must maintain communal harmony and ensure a safe Bangladesh for people of all religions and backgrounds,” said Rahman, The Business Standard reported.
BNP’s call for peace comes amid reports of violence against minorities across the country. At least 400 homes and businesses belonging to minorities have been attacked and destroyed since Monday, ThePrint reported earlier.
Shahabuddin announced the dissolution of the Bangladesh Parliament Tuesday. An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is expected to be sworn in Thursday evening, Bangladesh’s Army chief said at a press conference Wednesday.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
Also read: Set to be sworn in head of Bangladesh interim govt, Yunus appeals for calm. ‘Don’t let it slip away’
Very stateswomanlike, considering what she has been subjected to.