STAFF CORRESPONDENT

BNP yesterday called for calm and unity and ensuring the safety of all irrespective of religion, race and identity as well as immediate election.

“Let’s not indulge in destruction, revenge, vengeance -- let us build a society based on love, peace, and knowledge,” BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia said in a three-minute-long video message played out at a mammoth rally at the capital’s Nayapaltan.

Tens of thousands of leaders, activists and supporters, who began convening at the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters in the morning, burst into loud cheers when Khaleda’s video message played out, her first speech in six and a half years.

She thanked the youth for getting rid of the “fascist illegal government” through an extended movement centring on quota reforms for government jobs.

“I want to sincerely thank our brave children who made this possible through their desperate struggle. I pay respect to the hundreds of martyrs. This victory has brought a new possibility for the nation.”

Khaleda, a three-time prime minister, called for building a “knowledge-based, democratic Bangladesh with merit and competence” and “free from exploitation”.

“We have to build a prosperous Bangladesh from unprecedented corruption and ruins of destroyed democracy. The dream for which the youth have shed their blood must be realised. Students and youth are our future. Let’s strengthen the hands of our youth to build tomorrow’s Bangladesh based on peace, progress and equality.”

The rights of all religions and communities must be ensured, said

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