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“Their experience alone will not be enough to build the Bangladesh of the future. The strength of the next Bangladesh will come from a blend of experience and the courage and sacrifice of the youth.”

Outdated and rigid political norms of the past will not determine the shape of future Bangladesh.

“Veteran politicians, do not draw lines of division between you and the young generation. Listen to the voices of youth instead, and let’s forge the path to the future together.”

Sarjis Alam, another student leader and general secretary of July Martyrs Memorial Foundation, urged students and citizens across the country to unite in their efforts to prevent a reappearance of the AL.

“If we set aside minor differences and unite, then an organisation of killers like this will not be able to rear its head -- not just here at Zero Point, but anywhere in Bangladesh. Until there is a democratic government elected by your votes, we must all stand united,” he said.

“While many of you [in the civil society] have forgotten what happened the past 16 years and are fixated on these three months, we respectfully ask you to talk about these three months as well as those 16 years.”

Student leader Mahin Sarker said, “Awami League is worse than the Nazi party. The Nazi party was banned when it had popular support. We demand a ban on the Awami League.”

Tarikul Islam, coordinator of the student movement, urged people all to be vigilant until the reforms are done.

Late at night on Saturday, Hasnat in a Facebook post said there would be a mass gathering at Zero point. Students, BNP supporters, and leaders of the Gono Odhikar Parishad began to gather at Zero Point before daybreak yesterday.

BNP staged a motorcycle procession, and the size of the crowd grew as hours passed. The rally began around 12:30 pm near the southern gate of Baitul Mukarram Masjid, which is within 100 metres of Shaheed Noor Hossain Square.

Students of different schools, colleges, and members of Chhatra Federation, Islami Chhatra Andolon, and other student bodies attended the programme.

Some were seen stopping commuters on rickshaws, motorcycles, and on foot and asking them questions.

Several men were handed over to police on charges that they were AL supporters.

The event caused long tailbacks in and around Gulistan throughout the day.