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 released in Bengali, Khaleda Zia said, “All of you are praying for my health. With the blessings of Allah I am able to talk to you. We have succeeded in gaining freedom from this fascist government. I salute those brave people who sacrificed their lives.”
He said, “We have to create a new Bangladesh from this victory, where youth and students will be our hope.”
Zia also warned against attacks on religious minorities. He said, “We have to build a democratic Bangladesh, where all religions are respected. The youth and students will accomplish this. A progressive Bangladesh, where there is peace and prosperity. A country where there is no revenge and hatred.”
Khaleda Zia, 79, was sentenced to 17 years in jail on corruption charges in 2018 during the Sheikh Hasina regime. Released on executive order of President Mohammad Shahabuddin on Tuesday after Fall of Hasina-led Awami League government,
The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) chairperson is currently undergoing treatment for various ailments.
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