“Build Democratic Bangladesh Where All Religions Respected”: Khaleda Zia’s Message After Release

After being released from imprisonment, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in a video message in Bangla urged her countrymen to build a “democratic Bangladesh where all religions are respected”.

In the video message in Bangla, The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) chairperson said, “We have been able to get independence from this fascist government. I pay my obeisance to the brave ones who gave their lives.”

Zia slammed attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh and said, “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.

Former PM Khaleda Zia, 79, was sentenced to 17 years in prison in a corruption case in 2018. After the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government, she was released on an executive order from Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday. She is now undergoing treatment for various ailments.