BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday called for seizing the current opportunity to institutionalise democracy afresh and maintain national unity.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday said the opportunity created to institutionalise a new democratic system must be utilised quickly while maintaining national unity.

“We must complete the task quickly to institutionalise democracy anew by grabbing the opportunity created before us,” she said while addressing a discussion held in the capital through a virtual platform.

BNP arranged the discussion titled ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’ at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the afternoon, inaugurating its 36-day-long extensive programme marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.

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.

Referring to the sacrifices made in the past political movements including the 2024 Mass Uprising, she said, “We must ensure that the blood of our heroes and the tears of grieving mothers are not in vain. The unity must be maintained.”

The BNP chairperson, in her brief speech, said the blood-soaked July-August has returned after a year. For 16 years, the fascist rulers wanted to destroy democracy and perpetuate one-party rule through carrying out brutal oppression, arrests, killings and enforced disappearances.

She said the fascism fell through the collective uprising of the students and masses. “An opportunity has been created to build Bangladesh afresh."

Khaleda Zia paid homage to those who lost their lives in the movement and expressed sympathy for the injured. “The nation will always remember their sacrifices,” Khaleda said.

The BNP chairperson called for compiling a list of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and extrajudicial killings.

“There must be a quick process of trial and state recognition. The dignity of each affected family, rehabilitation and a secure future for them must be ensured,” she said.

Khaleda Zia urged all to work collectively to realise the vision of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. “Let us all work together to fulfil Shaheed Zia’s dream...to build a new Bangladesh as dreamt by millions of people,” she said.