BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on Tuesday called for seizing the current opportunity to institutionalise democracy afresh and uphold national unity, declaring that the sacrifices of the martyrs must not be wasted.
“We must ensure that the blood of our heroes and the tears of grieving mothers are not in vain. The unity must be maintained,” she said while addressing a discussion programme virtually from her Gulshan residence.
The event, titled “Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey”, was organised by the BNP at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka to inaugurate a 36-day programme commemorating the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.
“We must complete the task quickly to institutionalise democracy anew by grabbing the opportunity created before us,” Khaleda Zia said underscoring the urgency of creating employment opportunities, ensuring people’s safety, and above all, defending the country’s independence and sovereignty.
The BNP organized the discussion titled ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’ at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre, inaugurating its 36-day-long extensive programme.
Referring to those who sacrificed their lives in the fight for democratic rights, Khaleda Zia stressed the need for employment generation and ensuring people’s security.
“Above all, we must safeguard Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty at any cost,” she said.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman inaugurated the event by joining virtually from the United Kingdom.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as a special guest addressed the event presided over by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
The family members of those who lost their lives in past political movements, including last year’s mass uprising, spoke at the event.
BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman also called for forging a strong national unity to protect democracy and deter foreign dependency.
“To firmly establish democracy and keep Bangladesh free from foreign control, national unity is now more important than ever,” he said.
Over the proportional representation system elections by some political parties, he said, “We must ask if PR might lead to a divided society and unstable government rather than national consensus.”
He expressed concern whether such a system is suitable for Bangladesh’s current reality and geographic-political context, urging all political leaders to seriously reconsider the implications of such demands.
He added that reform proposals from different parties are welcome, but they must be practical and suitable for Bangladesh’s current context.
“Endless new issues may distract us and give conspirators room to rise again,” he said.
Highlighting the recent mass movement, Tarique said that at least 422 BNP members were killed during the July protests, with over 1,500 more people, including many children, losing their lives. More than 30,000 were injured, and over 1,000 were left permanently disabled.
He stated that the interim government, following the fall of fascism, is now working toward holding a fair election and ensuring justice. But, he cautioned, the transitional government cannot solve all public problems alone.
To truly repay the sacrifices made in the movement, Tarique said a people-elected democratic government must be formed—one that ensures employment, freedom, and public welfare, where political power is controlled by the people.
Before starting the programme, a munajat (prayer) was offered, seeking peace for the souls of those who were martyred during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements.
A one-minute silence was then observed while standing in honour of the martyrs, followed by the playing of the national anthem.
A documentary titled ‘National Unity and Democratic Journey’ was also screened on the occasion.
A deeply emotional moment unfolded as the families of those killed during mass uprisings and democratic movements, as well as victims of enforced disappearances, shared their sorrow and grief over the loss of their loved ones.
Many in the audience, including Tarique Rahman, were seen wiping away tears, moved by the speeches of the family members of the martyred and enforced disappearance victims.