BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged the people of the country to stay vigilant against Awami League cadres, who are lurking like hyenas and may launch violent attacks at any moment.

Speaking at a rally at the central Shaheed Minar, he also urged all political parties not to succumb to the plots of associates of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who aim to divide the people and lead them astray.

The BNP leader called upon the interim government to provide appropriate compensation and allowances to the families of those who were killed, maimed, or wounded in democratic movements against Sheikh Hasina’s regime over the past 16 years.

"Our Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Jilani was injured in an attack in Gopalganj yesterday (Friday). His wife was also injured while one leader was martyred. This attack manifests that they are still lurking like hyenas and may strike at any moment. We must resist their attacks," he said.

BNP arranged the rally to pay homage in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent student-led mass uprising and the struggle against authoritarianism over the past 17 years. The programme was also meant to recall the contributions of those who were injured and affected in the movements in various ways.

At the beginning of the rally, a one-minute silence was observed to pay respects to the souls of the martyrs. The event was attended by members of several hundred families of those who have been subjected to enforced disappearance or killed during this period.

Thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies joined the rally, braving rain and inclement weather.

Fakhrul said democracy-loving people have carried out movements by sacrificing their lives and enduring severe repression over the last 16 years, including last July and August.

“I extend my greetings and salute to those martyrs of the democratic movement who gave their lives and to those who have been injured or maimed,” he said.

Fakhrul also thanked all the political parties and organisations that have stood by BNP and continued to work with the party in this long struggle and fight for democracy.

He also praised the leaders and activists of BNP who, despite numerous provocations and temptations, have remained steadfast and continue to work for the protection of the country.

“We all say now that we have achieved freedom, and perhaps we have. But the venomous forces around us continue to spread their influence and attempt to divide us with their conspiracies. What we need most now is to maintain the unshakable unity with which we have fought for 16 years. We must not fall into their plots under any circumstances,” the BNP leader said.

He also urged everyone to remain alert to ensure that no one can lead them astray or distract them from their paths and goals through conspiracies.

Stating that the current interim government was established through struggle and significant sacrifices, Fakhrul said the expectations of the people from this administration are sky-high.

He said the people believe that this government will create a democratic environment and a level playing field, and reform democratic institutions to the extent necessary for establishing a democratic state and society through a meaningful and fair election.

“I request the interim government to provide compensation and allowances to the brothers who have been maimed and to the families of those who have been killed in the recent and past 16 years of movements. This is an extremely urgent matter,” the BNP leader said.

Fakhrul also urged the government to withdraw all the cases filed against opposition leaders and workers during the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina.

He said they want to turn Bangladesh into a democratic country by strengthening democratic institutions.

“On the eve of International Democracy Day, we want to pledge that we will work together to transform Bangladesh into a true democratic state and strengthen its institutions… In the days ahead, let us not look back. Instead, let us move forward in favour of democracy, the people, and humanity. Let this be our pledge today," Fakhrul said.

Leaders of different opposition parties and some civil society members spoke at the rally.