March 25, 1971 is observed as Genocide Day. On the occasion of Genocide Day, 1 pay my deepest respect to all the martyrs. In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, 25 March 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days. On that dark night, the Pakistani occupation forces carried out one of the most heinous genocides in history against the unarmed people of Bangladesh in the name of 'Operation Searchlight". They indiscriminately opened fire on teachers, intellectuals and innocent civilians at various places, including Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbāgh Police Lines, killing many people. The genocide of 25 March was a pre-planned massacre. Why this organised killing spree could not be resisted remains a matter of historical research regarding the visible role of the political leadership of that time. However, on the night of 25 March, the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram formally initiated armed resistance against the genocide by declaring 'We Revolt'. Through this resistance to genocide, the long nine-month armed Liberation War began. To convey the value and significance of independence to the present and future generations, it is essential to know about the genocide of 25 March as well. Let us all strive to honour the sacrifices of the martyrs by establishing in the state and society the spirit of the great Liberation War - equality, human dignity and social justice. Let us work together to build a just, developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Bangladesh. I pray to the Almighty Allah to grant forgiveness and eternal peace to the departed souls of all the martyrs. On the occasion of Genocide Day on 25 March. I wish every success to all the programmes organised to observe the day.

In yesterday's moments of deep personal loss, I want to speak from the heart and thank the many individuals whose care and professionalism helped the country conduct itself through my mother’s final farewell. I am deeply grateful to the officers and personnel of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force who stood with dignity and diligence throughout the day. Many of you were on duty for long hours, ensuring order and calm while remaining mindful of the grief that surrounded us. Your conduct reflected not only discipline, but kindness. My sincere thanks also go to the men and women serving across our security and law-enforcement services: the Home Adviser’s office, the Police, BGB, Ansar & VDP, RAB, and APBN. You worked patiently and respectfully, helping millions of people gather and return safely, allowing families to mourn and pay their respects in peace. I am equally thankful to those whose work is often unseen, the dedicated individuals of DGFI, NSI, and the Special Branch (SB). Your vigilance helped ensure the safety and smooth flow of the day. I would also like to acknowledge the many public servants and staff working within the National Security Adviser’s office, PSO AFD, DG SSF, and the teams from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Your thoughtful coordination and steady presence helped ensure that everything was handled with care. I am grateful to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose thoughtful efforts helped ensure that senior dignitaries from abroad were able to personally convey the condolences of their respective countries. Their presence reflected the deep respect my mother was held in beyond our borders. Covering the event amid a vast crowd spread across several square kilometres was an immense challenge for journalists. Despite these harsh conditions, media professionals from home and abroad worked with dedication to document and share accurate coverage of the janaza prayers and burial worldwide. I extend my sincere respect and heartfelt thanks to all of them. I also wish to thank Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, and the members of his cabinet, for attending in person and for helping to guide the day with steadiness and care during a moment of national mourning. On behalf of my family, I thank each of you, not as institutions, but as people, for the empathy, respect, and sense of duty you showed at a time when we were grieving a great loss. Your efforts made it possible for our family, Alhamdilillah, and for the nation, to honour her memory with dignity.

Dear friends, sisters, and brothers across Bangladesh, Last Thursday is a day I will carry in my heart forever, the day I returned to the soil of my homeland after 17 long years. The warmth of your welcome, the sea of faces along the roads of Dhaka, and the prayers of millions are moments, I will never forget. My deepest thanks to all. Words cannot fully express the respect and love my family and I feel for this homecoming. To our supporters who stood by us through every trial and never lost hope, your courage continues to give me strength. To members of civil society, youth, professionals, farmers, workers, and citizens from all walks of life, thank you for reminding us that the true power of Bangladesh always lies in its people, when united. I sincerely thank the media for covering this historic moment with professionalism and care, and all those who serve our nation, including those who ensured safety and calm during my return. Your service matters. I also wish to acknowledge and thank leaders of other political parties and movements who welcomed my homecoming. I appreciate the thoughtful reflections that emphasised democracy, multiparty coexistence, and the enduring will of the people. I am grateful for the warm welcomes and for the hope expressed for a democratic, peaceful political culture, as well as the call to move beyond politics driven by vengeance. I take these words with humility and respect. When I spoke yesterday, I spoke of a plan, not just a dream, for Bangladesh’s future: a country where peace and dignity thrive, where every community feels secure and valued, and where every child can grow with hope. This is a plan for all Bangladeshis. A united, inclusive Bangladesh. A Bangladesh that moves forward together. Thank you for welcoming me home. May Allah bless Bangladesh and all of you, now and always.

I am deeply saddened by the tragic killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. May Allah grant his soul forgiveness and place him in Jannat. This untimely death is a grave reminder of the human cost of political violence. Hadi was a brave political activist and a clear, fearless voice who always stood up against injustice. After the July mass uprising, as the spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, he played an incredible role in defending the rights of the July fighters, upholding democratic values, and protecting national interests. I express my deepest condolences to the grieving family, loved ones, and fellow activists. I also call upon the interim government to conduct swift investigation, with the utmost priority, so that perpetrators are apprehended, punished, and justice is served. Together, we must safeguard every citizen and prevent any such incident aiming to destabilise Bangladesh and undermine our democratic aspirations. আমি শরীফ ওসমান হাদীর মর্মান্তিক হত্যাকাণ্ডে গভীরভাবে শোকাহত। আল্লাহ যেন তার রুহের মাগফিরাত করে তাঁকে বেহেশত নসীব করেন। তাঁর এই অকাল শহীদি মৃত্যু আবারও মনে করিয়ে দিল- রাজনৈতিক সহিংসতা কত বড় মানবিক মূল্য দাবি করে। হাদি ছিলেন এক সাহসী রাজনৈতিক কর্মী এবং নির্ভীক কণ্ঠস্বর, যিনি সব সময় অন্যায়ের বিরুদ্ধে দাঁড়াতেন। জুলাই গণঅভ্যুত্থানের পর ইনকিলাব মঞ্চের মুখপাত্র হিসেবে তিনি জুলাইয়ের যোদ্ধাদের অধিকার রক্ষা, গণতান্ত্রিক মূল্যবোধ ধরে রাখা এবং জাতীয় স্বার্থ সুরক্ষায় অসাধারণ ভূমিকা রেখেছিলেন। আমি তাঁর শোকাহত পরিবার, স্বজন ও সহযোদ্ধাদের প্রতি গভীর সমবেদনা জানাই। একই সঙ্গে অন্তবর্তীকালীন সরকারের প্রতি আহ্বান জানাই, দ্রুত তদন্ত করে অপরাধীদের গ্রেপ্তার, শাস্তি এবং ন্যায়বিচার নিশ্চিত করতে হবে। আমাদের সবাইকে একসঙ্গে কাজ করে প্রতিটি নাগরিকের নিরাপত্তা নিশ্চিত করতে হবে, যাতে আর কোনো ঘটনা বাংলাদেশকে অস্থিতিশীল করতে না পারে বা আমাদের গণতান্ত্রিক আকাঙ্ক্ষাকে আঘাত না করে।

I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Zia family and BNP, to give our most profound thanks for the remarkable outpouring of support for Begum Khaleda Zia's recovery. The widespread expressions of concern from leaders, diplomats, and friends across the world, as well as the overwhelming love and prayers from the people of Bangladesh have been incredible. This collective support has been a source of immense strength for all of us. We continue to pray for her recovery and appreciate the unity, compassion, and solidarity shown during this difficult moment. বিশ্বের নানা প্রান্ত থেকে দেশনেত্রী বেগম খালেদা জিয়ার সুস্থতার জন্য যেভাবে সহযোগিতা ও শুভকামনা জানানো হচ্ছে, জিয়া পরিবার ও বিএনপির পক্ষ থেকে আমরা সবার প্রতি আন্তরিক ধন্যবাদ জানাই। বিভিন্ন দেশের নেতৃবৃন্দ, কূটনীতিকবৃন্দ ও বন্ধুগণের উদ্বেগ ও উৎকণ্ঠা, পাশাপাশি বাংলাদেশের মানুষের অপরিসীম ভালোবাসা ও দোয়া, সবকিছু আমাদের আবেগ ও অনুভূতিকে গভীরভাবে স্পর্শ করছে। দেশবাসীর সম্মিলিত সমর্থনই আমাদের পরিবারের শক্তি ও প্রেরণার উৎস। মমতাময়ী দেশনেত্রীর দ্রুত আরোগ্যের জন্য আমরা সবাই নিরন্তর দোয়া করছি। এই কঠিন সময়ে ঐক্য, সহমর্মিতা ও সংহতির জন্য প্রতিটি মানুষের প্রতি অসীম কৃতজ্ঞতা রইলো।

As we prepare for elections in February 2026, we need to guarantee the trust of the voters across the entirety of the country. To do that, the BNP is rebuilding and reorganising our party from the grassroots up, embedding transparency and accountability, so that the BNP of today and tomorrow reflects the aspirations of a new generation. Already, more than 7,000 members have faced disciplinary actions, ranging from demotions to expulsions, for corruption, extortion, and misconduct. This has not been an easy decision, but it is a necessary one. Discipline is not a weakness - it is our strength. By holding our own members accountable, we demonstrate to the nation that we are serious about integrity, and that we will hold ourselves to the same standards we demand from those in power. This is the only path to rebuild trust with the people and, above all, with the youth who must see politics as a noble calling where all can be involved, not a game of power for a few. The BNP is modernising itself in line with the challenges of the future. We are strengthening our communications and public outreach to engage directly with citizens. We are developing policy platforms rooted in our 31-Points, with commitments to education, healthcare, youth employment, climate resilience, and digital innovation. We are focusing on inclusivity by bringing more women, young leaders, and professionals to grow the nation and work for its people. We are working to ensure that our party’s image reflects service, fairness, and competence, not division or entitlement. The challenges Bangladesh faces today are different, and so must be our response. But we do not discard our history - we build upon it. President Ziaur Rahman gave Bangladeshis hope by restoring multi-party democracy and placing people’s empowerment at the heart of politics. Begum Khaleda Zia defended democracy in the face of authoritarianism and kept alive the spirit of accountability. Today, we carry forward their vision but adapt it to a new era: one where integrity, youth leadership, and global competitiveness are central to nation building. The BNP is re-emerging as a disciplined, forward looking, and modern political force. We know that the youth want opportunity, not empty rhetoric; citizens want stability, not chaos; and the world wants to see Bangladesh as a democracy that is credible and respected. We are determined to meet these expectations. To my party members, I simply ask that we stay united, stay disciplined, and stay committed to service. Just as you place your trust in me, I place my trust in each and every one of you for this task. Only then the path to democracy is bright. Together, we will prove that Bangladesh can have accountable governance, stable institutions, and a future that inspires hope.