The leaders and activists of the major opposition party, BNP, across the country are in high spirits, breathing a sigh of relief following the fall of the dictator government led by Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, after a mass uprising in the country.

The party members have been enduring a critical period since the Awami League assuming power in 2008 through a military-backed government-administered general election. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists have been accused in numerous political cases, with many being convicted.

Additionally, a significant number of BNP leaders and activists have been killed or injured in attacks by law enforcers and Awami League leaders and activists. Many have also fallen victim to enforced disappearances during the past 18 years.

“Now our party leaders and activists can breathe freely after the fall of the fascist and dictator Sheikh Hasina-led government. Our party members have been victims of massive repression and oppression for a long time,” BNP standing committee member Selima Rahman told the Daily Sun.

Regarding their next plan, she said that they would now carry out regular political activities and prepare the party to participate in the next parliamentary election.

Party sources said that around 1.5 lakh cases were filed against more than 50 lakh BNP leaders and activists across the country in “false, politically motivated” cases from 2009 to 2024. Over the years, top BNP leaders, including Chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, have been convicted in various cases.

After the BNP-led government’s term ended in 2006, the scheduled January 2007 elections were delayed due to political violence and infighting, resulting in a bloodless military takeover. During its interim rule, the quasi-military regime charged Zia and her two sons — Tarique and Koko — with corruption.

Sheikh Hasina came to power through a military-controlled election in 2008. The BNP then boycotted the 10th national polls in 2014, demanding elections under a neutral government. It participated in the 11th general election in 2018, which was allegedly held at night, before election day, and secured only 6 seats. Finally, the BNP also boycotted the 12th general election, which was routinely held under the Hasina-led government.

BNP Vice Chairman Mohammad Shahjahan stated that the autocratic fascist Sheikh Hasina-led government fell due to a mass uprising of students and the general public.

“Like the people of the country, we are also happy now. It proves that armed fascism falls to a mass uprising of unarmed people,” he added.

Shahjahan further mentioned that reforms would have to be brought to the country as per the people’s wishes. “We want to bring reform in the state system. We have to bring change from the traditional.”

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal leader Mehbub Masum Shanto said, “Most of our party leaders and activists couldn’t sleep in their houses out of fear of arrest, while many others were tortured in police custody and by ruling party men. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina, now we can breathe freely.”

Addressing a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office on Tuesday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged the President to form an interim government immediately so that no political vacuum is created in the state.

He said they have faith in the students as the party extended support to the student movement. “An all-party approach should be considered in forming the interim government. If the President asks for names for the interim government, we will provide them.”

The BNP leader expressed regret for the attacks on some TV centres by miscreants. “It is against freedom of expression and freedom of the media.”

He paid respects to the martyred students who were killed during the student movement that ousted the autocrat Sheikh Hasina.

“We salute the students and the people who stood up against this fascist government with courage and bravery and gained victory with their blood,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul said they want to convey the message to the people of the country that there is now no place for arrogance or revenge.

He also condemned those who are still setting fire to various institutions, looting, and attacking houses. “Please stop these actions immediately. Those who are doing this are not part of the movement; they are those who opposed it.”

He added that Khaleda Zia has asked everyone to remain calm, saying, “Let there not be a situation where the victory can be taken away. Remain alert, so that no one can take away this victory."

Replying to a question, he said whenever Khaleda Zia feels fit, she will appear before the public.

Regarding the return of Tarique Rahman, Mirza Fakhrul said, “Whenever he (Tarique Rahman) wishes, he can come back. We have already requested him to return soon. That arrangement will happen, inshallah.”

Meanwhile, the BNP will hold a rally in front of the party central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, at 2pm on Wednesday. Tarique Rahman will speak at the rally virtually as the chief guest.