BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said his party aims to build a democratic, fair and inclusive Bangladesh through the united efforts of everyone.

"Let us all unite to build a democratic Bangladesh with a non-discriminatory, inclusive and liberal society," he told a views-exchange meeting with a group of physically disabled individuals at the LGED auditorium in the capital's Agargaon.

Tarique, who attended the meeting virtually, pledged that if BNP comes to power, his government will ensure equal rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities, treating them with the same sincerity as all other citizens of the country.

He said his party is committed to taking concrete steps to improve the quality of life of the people with special needs, focusing on ensuring their economic independence, social empowerment and human dignity.

Earlier in the morning, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the national election will be held soon in line with people's wishes.

"We're always hopeful. An interim government has been established, and we're all cooperating. Hopefully, arrangements for polls will be made very soon as per the people's wishes" he told reporters after paying tribute at the Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard in the capital's Mirpur around 9:30am on Martyred Intellectuals' Day yesterday.

He added, "Through a free, fair and impartial election, the people will get the opportunity to elect their representatives, form the parliament, and establish the government."

Earlier, Fakhrul and some senior party leaders, including BNP standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Abdul Moyeen Khan, placed wreaths at the Martyred Intellectuals' Memorial around 9:15am. They then stood in a solemn silence for some time to remember the fallen national heroes who lost their lives for the country.

Fakhrul also told reporters that new opportunities have been created after fascism was removed from the country through the July uprising.

"By making full use of this opportunity, we want to establish a democratic Bangladesh and a modern state free of discrimination."

Responding to a question, he criticised the Awami League for losing connection with the people.

"Those who have distanced themselves from the people, killed democracy, suppressed pro-democracy and freedom-loving individuals, and sold our independence have naturally become isolated. That's why they are absent today."

Meanwhile, BNP kept the national flag at half-mast and hoisted black flags atop all its offices, including the central Nayapaltan office, to mark the day.

The party's associate bodies, including Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Krishak Dal, also paid their respects to the martyred intellectuals.