Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Wednesday demanded a fresh general election at the earliest possible time to hand over power to the elected government.
The party鈥檚 acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who is currently staying in London, made the demand in his online speech at a rally in front of the party鈥檚 Naya Paltan central office.
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia also addressed the rally through a recorded speech, her first public appearance in more than six years since her sentencing in 2018 on charges of misappropriation of funds.
President Md Shahabuddin remitted the jail sentence of Khaleda on Tuesday, paving the way for her release a day after her political rival Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League resigned from the position of prime minister and fled the country.
In her recorded speech, Khaleda hailed the youths who led the recent student protests against the Hasina government as heroes and thanked them for making the 鈥榠mpossible possible.鈥�
She called on the people to build the nation based on skill, talent, knowledge, and democratic values.
鈥業 don鈥檛 want killing; I want peace. Students are our future. Youth should work to fulfil their dreams,鈥� said Khaleda.
鈥楾his victory brought us to a new fight. Now we have to build a prosperous Bangladesh. Let鈥檚 strengthen the hands of the youth,鈥� she said.
Addressing the programme, Tarique called for holding a general election and handing over power to the elected government as early as possible to achieve the target of the struggle of the young generation.
He also urged the people of the country not to take the law into their own hands and shun the path of vengeance.
He urged the people to set an example for human rights.
He promised to work to uphold merit during any appointment or promotion and solve unemployment by creating employment opportunities.
鈥業f anyone wants to commit a crime in the name of BNP, hand him over to the law. If someone violates the rules, file a complaint with the police,鈥� he said, adding that no one should take the law into their own hands.
鈥楾he solution to anarchy cannot be anarchy,鈥� he said.
Tarique said that a conspiracy was going on to foil the success of the uprising, adding that people should be given security irrespective of their religion, caste, or identity.
鈥楽et an example by standing as a shield to ensure the safety of everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, wherever they live. Standing on the territory of Bangladesh, all the people have one identity, all are Bangladeshis,鈥� he said.
Tarique stressed the need for 鈥榪ualitative change鈥� in politics and governing the state.
He stressed the need to establish a society free from corruption and based on accountability and democracy.
He said that an 鈥楿pper House of the Legislature鈥� would be established to run the state to accommodate experts who are skilled but not involved in politics.
Addressing the programme, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasised the urgency of holding elections to restore stability and democratic governance.
He urged president Shahabuddin to form an interim government immediately and arrange an election within three months.
Thousands of BNP activists attended the rally without facing any obstacles for the first time in many years, which created a festive atmosphere.