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Published : 05 Aug 2024, 09:26 PM
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called for a free, fair and impartial general election at the earliest, noting the moment when Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country after resigning from her premiership following a mass uprising as 'historic'.
Tarique made the call in a video message addressing the nation on social media on Monday.
The student protests demanding quota reforms, which started 36 days ago, evolved into an antigovernment movement, resulting in widespread violence and the deaths of over 300 people.
Unable to tame the movement, Hasina left Bangladesh after her resignation on Monday. A military aircraft carried her to India’s New Delhi. She has already sought asylum in the United Kingdom, according to Indian media reports.
In a video message recorded in the evening of the day, Tarique expressed his gratitude to the heroic students and the people referring to the moment of Hasina’s fleeing as ‘historic’.
He said, “The mass killer and murderer Hasina has fallen through the historic revolution of the people which cost the lives of thousands of people. Our beloved Bangladesh becomes danger-free. The first step of the people’s revolution has finally been completed.”
“Bangladesh can never accept defeat. This has been proven again through the historic uprising. Nobody would ever be able to defeat Bangladesh if everyone remained united regardless of party affiliation or opinion.”
Extending his respects to the mothers who lost their children during the antigovernment movement which started over the demand for quota reforms, Tarique said, “Many children have lost their fathers, many women lost their husbands in this manner over the last 15 years of the fascist regime led by the Awami League government.
“Many mothers lost their children due to forced disappearance, murders and abduction. Due to the martyrish deaths of your beloved children and sacrifices of the relatives, Bangladesh has seen one more victory on Aug 5, 2024.”
“Hundreds of people faced arrests and were thrown to jail in false and politically-motivated cases in the movement against killer Hasina.
“I demand the withdrawal of all cases against them and their release from prison. I also expect prompt measures will be taken so that the students can return to classes and sit for examinations.”
Tarique said through the fall of killer Hasina, people have paved the way for the restoration of democracy, human rights and their lost voting rights.
He said people’s historic revolt would be successful only when people were able to apply their voting rights to establish a government accountable to the people and to establish equality and dignity which were the motto of the Liberation War in the state-government, governance-administration and above all, to build a democratic state and society without discrimination.
“A free, fair and impartial election has to be held at the earliest to achieve the ultimate goal of the people. The power must be handed over to the representatives elected by the people as soon as possible.
“Each democratic party of the country, including the BNP, will assist in holding a free and fair election to build a discrimination-free democratic Bangladesh.”
Urging the citizens, he said, “The joy of victory becomes glorious if the defeated remains safe to the conqueror. Hence, quietly celebrate the historic event in this joyous moment of victory.
“I request everyone not to become revengeful or hostile. Do not take the law into one’s own hands. The people must be vigilant so that the victory won’t be misled.”
