BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on the public to remain vigilant against Awami League cadres, whom he described as lurking like hyenas and potentially preparing to launch violent attacks at any moment.
He came up with the call while speaking at a rally at the central Shaheed Minar in the capital on Saturday.
Fakhrul also urged all political parties to resist the schemes of allies of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who seek to sow division among the people and mislead them.
The BNP leader urged the interim government to grant appropriate compensation and allowances to the families of those killed, injured, or maimed during democratic protests against Sheikh Hasina’s regime over the past 16 years.
"Our Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Jilani was injured in an attack in Gopalganj on 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 program 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 organizations 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.
Leaders of different opposition parties and some civil society members spoke at the rally.
Besides, the party will hold a rally on International Democracy Day on Sunday.
This rally will be held in Naya Paltan.