In her first reaction after being released from jail, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia urged her 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 am able to speak to you to 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.”
“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 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.
