Dhaka: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in her first message after being released from jail, urged the countrymen to build a democratic Bangladesh where all religions are respected. In a video message in Bangla, Khaleda Zia said, “You have been praying for my health all this while. I can speak to you due to the blessings of Allah. We have been able to get independence from this fascist government. I pay my obeisance to the brave ones who gave their lives.”
Addressing the people of her country, Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia, in her first speech since she was set free after 2018, said that “Bangladesh got independence from the fascist government” due to the “brave children who made it possible.”
“We have to form a new Bangladesh from this victory where the youth and students will be our hope,” she said.
Zia also warned against attacks on religious minorities. “We have to build a democratic Bangladesh where all religions are respected. The youth and students will get this done. A progressive Bangladesh where there is peace and prosperity. A country where no revenge and hatred is not present,” she said.
Khaleda Zia, 79, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for graft in 2018 under the rule of Sheikh Hasina. She was released on an executive order from President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday following the collapse of the Hasina-led Awami League government.
The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) chairperson is currently undergoing treatment for various ailments.
‘We Have To Build Democratic Bangladesh’: Khaleda Zia’s First Message After Being Released From Jail world-news World News | Latest International Global World News | Todays Breaking News Headlines
