BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday recalled the contribution of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, saying his sacrifice must be honoured by building the “expected Bangladesh” where people regain their economic and democratic rights.

Speaking at a mass reception programme in 36 July Expressway, Tarique Rahman said Osman Hadi was martyred a few days ago and had dreamed of a Bangladesh where people would regain their economic rights.

“Osman Hadi wanted the people of this country to get back their economic rights,” he said.

Referring to the sacrifices made in different phases of the country’s history, Tarique Rahman said the blood debt of those martyred in 1971 and those who laid down their lives in 2024 could only be repaid by building the “expected Bangladesh.”

“If we want to repay the blood debt of those martyred in 1971 and those martyred in 2024, we must build the Bangladesh people expected,” he said.

He said the time had come for everyone to work together to rebuild the country. Stressing unity and coexistence, the BNP leader said people of different faiths live in Bangladesh and must be part of that journey.

“Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians all live in this country. We want to build a peaceful Bangladesh with everyone,” he said.

Drawing a parallel between past and recent movements, Tarique Rahman said that just as people achieved independence in 1971, people from all walks of life came together in 2024 to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty.

He said people now want to reclaim their basic rights. “The people of Bangladesh want to regain their right to speak. They want to get back their democratic rights,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said the young generation would take the lead in building the country in the future and stressed the need to establish Bangladesh on a strong democratic and economic foundation.

“We want peace in the country,” he said, repeating the line three times during his speech.