Amid the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is in jail, appealed to her countrymen to establish a democracy where all religions are respected.

In a video message released in Bangla language, Khaleda Zia said, "All of you are praying for my health. With the blessings of Allah, I am able to talk to you. We have succeeded in getting freedom from the anarchist government of Bangladesh. I salute those brave people who sacrificed their lives."

Warned about attacks on minorities

Khaleda Zia said that we have to create a new Bangladesh with this victory where youth and students will be our hope. She has also warned against attacks on religious minorities. She said, "We have to create a democratic Bangladesh where all religions are respected, which will be accomplished by youth and students. We want a Bangladesh where there is peace and prosperity, not revenge and hatred."

Khaleda Zia (79 years) was sentenced to 17 years in prison on corruption charges in 2018 during Sheikh Hasina's government. After the fall of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, she was released on Tuesday (6 August 2024) on the executive order of President Mohammad Shahabuddin.

Decision on interim government in Bangladesh will be taken soon

Bangladesh's protest leaders have said that they hope that the names of the members of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus will be decided on Wednesday itself. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus's office said that he is currently in Europe and will reach Dhaka on Thursday (8 August 2024).

After Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country, Khaleda Zia's son Tariq Rahman is returning to Bangladesh from London soon. He is also the acting president of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).