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Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia and its acting chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday urged the people of the country to remain calm amid the ongoing situation.

Khaleda, also a former prime minister who is now undergoing treatment, and Tarique Rahman, who is now in London, came up with the call in a message sent to the media.

Besides, in a separate video message Tarique urged the countrymen to remain calm in view of the ongoing situation following the fall of Sheikh Hasina.

At the beginning of the video message, Tarique said, ‘Heroic congratulations to the brave students of Bangladesh at this glorious historic moment. Sheikh Hasina has fallen through the historic revolution of the people in exchange for lives of thousands of martyrs.’

The first phase of the people’s revolution was ultimately successful, he said, adding that Bangladesh can never accept defeat, which  was achieved at the cost of millions of martyrs.

‘Through this historic revolution, it has been proved once again that no one can defeat this Bangladesh if they are united regardless of party opinion,’ he said, adding that at this historic moment of victory, he pay his humble respect to those mothers who lost their beloved children in this mass revolution.

‘Thus, during the past 15 years of fascist rule, many children have lost their beloved fathers, many wives have lost their beloved husbands, and countless mothers lost their children. Bangladesh saw another victory on August 5, 2024, in the martyrdom of your children,’ Tarique said from London.

He said that many students were injured while making the historic revolution of the people a success and the whole of Bangladesh was with them with all the love in the painful time of treatment at home, hospitals or clinics.

‘Many people have been arrested in false and politically motivated cases while protesting against the government,’ he said, adding that the BNP demands immediate withdrawal of all false cases filed against the agitators and their release from prison.

‘At the same time, I hope the government will take those measures first so that students can return to halls, hostels, classes and take exams normally,’

he said.

He said that Bangladesh was turned into a subservient state by taking away the voting rights of 12.5 crore of voters by holding 18 crore people hostage.

‘By toppling the mass killer government, the people have paved the way for the re-establishment of their democracy, human rights, and voting rights,’ he said.

‘Through this, the first phase of the people’s revolution has been successfully completed. After that, the final success of the historic revolution will come through a free and fair election when 12.5 crore of voters of the country can be able to cast their votes safely and confidently they can establish a government accountable to the people,’ he said.

He said that a free, fair and impartial election should be organised as soon as possible to reach the final goal of the people’s historic revolution.

‘Power should be transferred as soon as possible to representatives elected by the people. Every democratic political party of Bangladesh, including the BNP will cooperate in all possible ways to organise a free and fair election with the aim of establishing a democratic Bangladesh without discrimination,’ he said.

‘The joy of victory is magnified when the defeated are safe from the winners. So, calmly celebrate this historic moment in this joyous time of victory,’ he said.

‘Please don’t be vindictive. No one should take the law into their own hands. You are called upon to keep a watchful eye so that the victory that is won does not go in vain,’ he said.

‘Students like 1952, 1971 or 1990 have once again created a history of victory. Congratulations again dear countrymen,’ he added.

Their messages came as Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled the country amid deadly protests across Bangladesh.