Khaleda Zia calls for national unity at any cost

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has called for preserving national unity at any cost, stressing that the sacrifices made during last year's student-led July-August uprising – including the bloodshed and tears of mothers – must not be in vain.

"We must safeguard our unity at all costs," she said while speaking virtually at a discussion organised by the BNP marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.

At the programme, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman urged political stakeholders to consider whether a proportional representation system would be appropriate for Bangladesh, given its geographic and political realities.

Khaleda underscored the importance of collective strength in the face of national challenges.

At the discussion held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre in Dhaka, she emphasised the importance of upholding democracy and ensuring justice for the victims of state repression.

Joining the event virtually from London, Tarique said, "Political parties have been making thoughtful proposals as part of the interim government's reform discussions. While all suggestions aim to benefit the people, each must be evaluated in the context of Bangladesh."

He noted that some parties have advocated for proportional representation – a system practiced in several countries – and urged all concerned to examine how viable such a model would be under the current realities and geopolitical landscape of Bangladesh.

The event, titled "July 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey", was organised by the BNP to honour the families of those killed in the July uprising.

The programme began at 3pm with Quran recitation, prayers, a minute of silence for the martyrs, and the national anthem. A documentary on the uprising was also screened.

'Mass uprising created new opportunity to rebuild Bangladesh'

In her remarks, Khaleda Zia accused the ousted Awami League government of attempting to permanently install a one-party authoritarian regime by suppressing democracy through 16 years of severe oppression, arrests, disappearances, and killings.

"The mass uprising of students and citizens has brought down fascism and created a new opportunity to rebuild Bangladesh," she said.

Khaleda paid tribute to those who were martyred in the movement, saying, "Their sacrifices will be remembered forever by the nation."

The former prime minister also called for compiling a list of those who were victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and extrajudicial executions, and ensuring justice and state recognition for them.

She stressed the need to guarantee a secure future for the affected families, institutionalise democratic governance, create employment opportunities, and ensure public safety.

She concluded her speech by urging everyone to unite in realising the vision of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and to protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh.

Journalist removed from stage

The BNP's discussion programme erupted into chaos when a journalist was removed from the stage shortly after the event began, following loud chants of "fascist" and strong objections from attendees to his role as a presenter.

The incident prompted senior BNP leaders to intervene and remove the journalist, Ehsan Mahmud, executive editor of the Dainik Amader Shomoy. Ehsan was one of the three designated presenters of the event.

Attendees began chanting slogans such as "fascist" and "ally of autocracy" expressing strong opposition to his presence on stage. Some BNP members also voiced objections to his role.

The disruption quickly reached the attention of Tarique Rahman. Following this, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders intervened and removed Ehsan from the stage.