Khaleda Zia: Let’s empower youth

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has urged all to strengthen the hands of the youth to build a modern Bangladesh based on peace, progress and equality.

“Not destruction, not revenge, not vengeance, let’s build a society based on love, peace, and knowledge,” said Khaleda.

This is the first time; Khaleda delivered a public speech at a political rally more than six and a half years after she landed in jail in a corruption case in February 2018.

Khaleda, who was undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, was released on Tuesday after the president pardoned her punishments; a day after Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country in the face of a people's uprising.

A day after her release from house arrest, former prime minister Khaleda Zia on Wednesday delivered a speech at a BNP rally at the capital's Naya Paltan via recorded video. The video was recorded from the Evercare Hospital. 

Regarding student uprising led by the anti-discrimination student movement, she said that this victory has brought new possibilities in Bangladesh.

“We have to build a prosperous Bangladesh from the ruins of democracy and corruption,” said the BNP chairperson.

“Heroic students made the impossible possible through struggle and sacrificing their lives. I pay respect to hundreds of martyrs”, she said.

Khaleda Zia said: “Students and youth are our future. A democratic Bangladesh based on merit, ability and knowledge should be built to realize the dream that the youth have shed their blood for. A prosperous Bangladesh without exploitation should be built based on human rights, social justice and equality.”

Khaleda Zia said at the BNP rally: “I thank Allah for being able to speak in front of you after being ill for a long time. During my imprisonment, you fought and prayed for my release from prison and disease. I thank you all for that.”

"In return for long struggle and sacrifice, we got freedom from fascist illegal government. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our brave children who have made the impossible possible through mortal struggle,” she added.

The BNP chairperson said that the rights of all religions and castes must be ensured.

Standing committee leaders including BNP Acting Chairman Tareque Rahman, and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addressed the rally.