Khaleda calls for the creation of a ‘united BNP’ that engages the people of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has called for the creation of a “united BNP” that involves the people of Bangladesh.

She made the call to the BNP leaders of all levels during a virtual speech from London at the party’s extended meeting on Thursday.

‘‘The people of Bangladesh, especially the youth, are looking forward to a positive democratic change in the country. We need to forget the petty, mundane issues and work to serve the broader interests of the country and its people. The associates of the fascists and foes of Bangladesh are still hatching conspiracies to foil the achievements of the mass uprising,” she said.

‘‘Even though I am sick and am staying in the UK, I urge you all - let’s engage the people of Bangladesh and unite and organise the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to lead the political struggle and run the country.”

Khaleda said, “Our unity should be as strong as steel and be able to foil their conspiracies alongside the people. To create a democratic Bangladesh, we must work together [to alleviate the current situation].”

‘‘Let’s put all of our strength into creating the modern, prosperous and democratic Bangladesh as dreamed of by the martyred Ziaur Rahman and swiftly make use of the inclusive unity we have sacrificed so much for.”

‘NO REVENGE, RETALIATION’

The BNP chairperson said, “Through you, I want to urge the students and public to shun revenge or retaliation and nurture mutual love and unity to make our dear motherland Bangladesh a liveable, developed and democratic country.”

On Jan 7, Khaleda flew to London on a special air ambulance sent by the emir of Qatar. She was then admitted to The London Clinic. She received treatment under a medical board of specialist doctors and was then discharged from the clinic. Since then, she has been receiving medical care while at the home of her son Tarique Rahman.

Khaleda said, “The leaders have gathered again in a fascist-free Bangladesh after six years. I offer my gratitude to the almighty Allah for that. I pay homage to those who were martyred in the long anti-fascist struggle and those in the mass killing by the fascist power trying to curb the July-August movement. I offer my sincere compassion to those who were injured.”

‘‘Currently, I am staying in the UK for medical treatment but I’m always with you. You have struggled for a long 15 years to ensure my release. Many of our colleagues have sacrificed their lives, endured torture and were named in around 125,000 false cases. Even these days, they visit the courts regularly seeking justice. Not only our party but also the nation will remember you forever,” Khaleda said.

The BNP had its last extended meeting on Feb 4, 2018, which was presided over by Khaleda.

‘PEOPLE EXPECT ELECTION AFTER MINIMAL REFORMS’

Khaleda Zia said, “The country is going through a tough time. A combined movement by you and the students has toppled the fascist rulers and an interim government was set up. People expect an acceptable election to be held to return to a democratic system following minimal state reform work.”

WORK TOGETHER FOR THE ELECTION

‘‘In my absence, the acting chairman of the party, senior leaders and all of you have worked tirelessly and kept the party organised. I thank you all for that. I believe, nurturing the ideology of the late president Ziaur Rahman, you’ll work together for the upcoming election,” the BNP chairperson said.

‘‘Don’t do anything that makes your long struggle and sacrifices futile. We must remember the martyred president Zia’s teaching… the party is bigger than one person, the country is bigger than the party.”

The BNP extended meeting was held at the LD Hall ground in the National Parliament. BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting virtually from London.

As many as 35,000 BNP leaders from different levels participated in the meeting.

Tarique was seen sitting next to Khaleda as she delivered her speech over a video call. Senior leaders and grassroots level leaders listened avidly.

Acting Chairman Tarique spoke before Khaleda delivered her speech. Mentioning the illness of the chairperson, Tarique said: “The last extended meeting of the BNP was held on Feb 4, 2018. Mother of Democracy Begum Khaleda Zia was the chief guest at that meeting. The BNP could not hold the extended meetings or council anymore during fascist rule.”

‘‘Our leader Begum Khaleda Zia could not attend this important meeting in person as she is undergoing medical treatment. However, she prayed for a successful meeting. Also, she solicited your blessings. We all pray to Allah for our leader’s physical recovery.”