Calling for an ‘ironclad unity’ to defend mass uprising gains, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday said people are eagerly waiting for a positive democratic transformation in Bangladesh.

“The people from all walks of life, especially the youth, are eagerly waiting for a positive democratic transformation in Bangladesh,” she said while addressing the opening session of BNP's extended meeting in the capital through a virtual platform from London.

The meeting, which began at 11 am on the LD Hall premises of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex, was attended by 3,500 leaders from across the country.

In her six-minute speech, the BNP chairperson said all must rise above petty divisions and narrowness and work in the greater interest of the country and the nation.

"The allies of fascists and enemies of Bangladesh are still engaged in deep conspiracies to destroy the achievements of the mass uprising. We must take people along (with us) and foil such plots through ironclad unity," she said.

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Khaleda Zia also called upon the people of the country to work together for building a democratic Bangladesh.

"Let us employ our full strength to build a modern, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh envisioned by Ziaur Rahman, uphold the hard-earned achievements (of mass uprising) and further strengthen our unity," she added.

People expect this government to hold a credible election competing minimum reform soon, said Khaleda.

The BNP chairperson said the country is going through a critical time now. The fascist rulers were ousted amid a coordinated movement of the people and students.

“The people's expectation from them (interim govt) is to hold an election, which would be acceptable to all, after completing the minimum reforms to repair the state soon in order to return to a democratic system,” she said.

Pointing at her party leaders and activists, she asked them to be more inspired by the ideals of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and work together for a great success in the next election. “Do not do anything that will spoil your long struggle and sacrifices,” she added.

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“I would like to urge you from the United Kingdom while I am ill -- let's involve the people and build the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in a more united and consolidated way to lead the movement-struggle and the state governance as did in the past.

Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister, called upon students, youths and the people of the country to come forward to build Bangladesh into a truly livable, developed and democratic state through mutual affection and brotherhood refraining from resorting to any vengeance.

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“Let us all work together to transform our beloved motherland, Bangladesh, into a truly livable, developed and democratic state, not through vengeance and revenge, but through mutual affection and brotherhood,” she said.

At the outset of her speech, she expressed her tribute to those who were martyred in the long struggle against the fascism and the recent mass killings by the fascism regime as well as showed sincere sympathy to those who were injured during the recent mass uprising.