Uphold unity, act fast to cement democracy: Khaleda Zia

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday urged the nation to seize the current opportunity to institutionalise democracy afresh while maintaining national unity.

"We must quickly complete the task of building a new democratic order by utilising the opportunity before us," Khaleda said while virtually addressing a discussion titled 'Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey' held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka. 

The programme marked the start of BNP’s 36-day initiative commemorating the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.

Khaleda emphasised the need for creating employment, ensuring people’s security, and above all, protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

Recalling the sacrifices made in past political struggles, including last year’s mass movement, she said, “We must ensure that the blood of our heroes and the tears of grieving mothers are not wasted. We have to preserve this unity.”

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman inaugurated the event virtually from the UK, while BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addressed it as a special guest. The event was presided over by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Family members of those who lost their lives in political movements, including the 2024 uprising, also spoke at the discussion.