BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged authorities to promptly hold an election and transfer power to the elected government, reports Daily Sun.
He made this call while virtually addressing a rally by the BNP at Nayapaltan from London on Wednesday.
Congratulating the students, Tarique Rahman said, "The door to democracy has opened. I urge the administration to ensure law and order with a firm hand. No one should feel insecure due to their religion or ethnicity. Whether Muslim, Hindu, Christian, or Buddhist, protect their safety. Our primary identity is that we are Bangladeshis."
Calling for cooperation with the police, Tarique Rahman stated, "The police are not the enemy of the people. Hasina has turned the law enforcement agencies into enemies of the people. Most police officers try to perform their duties according to the rules."
"Stop attacks against the police or religious minorities. If anyone uses BNP’s name to break the law, hand them over to the authorities. To the citizens, I appeal: do not take the law into your own hands," he added.
Tarique Rahman said that anarchy is not a solution and urged the nation to move forward in sync with the world.
"We must reduce dependency on imports and foreign loans. The scope of exports must be expanded at any cost. We need to create a skilled and talented generation. Everyone must come forward to establish the principles of the Liberation War: equality, human dignity, and social justice."
Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also congratulated the protesting students. "Our students are performing their duties with great maturity."
Urging everyone to maintain peace and order, he said, "Our leaders and activists are not involved in vandalism or looting. Do not engage in arson. Those who do are enemies of the country, and action will be taken against them."
Highlighting the sixteen years of suffering endured by their leaders and activists, Fakhrul called on them to contribute to nation-building.
"The tyrant has fled, and their accomplices have fled too. They must not return," he added.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
