BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday urged politicians to take lessons from the downfall of autocratic rulers like Sheikh Hasina and her subsequent escape.

“The students and the masses brought about a positive change in Bangladesh's politics through the revolution, ending the one-and-a-half-decade-long autocratic rule,” he said at a civic reception.

The people of Morrelganj Upazila organised the event at the Morrelganj Azizia Secondary School ground to honour BNP Central Committee Education Affairs Secretary Prof ABM Obaidul Islam for his appointment as Vice Chancellor of the Open University.

Dr Moyeen, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina and many Awami League leaders were forced to flee the country in the face of the student-led mass revolution.

“We must realise why they (autocrats) had to flee the country and take a lesson from it,” the BNP leader said, pointing at the political parties.

He said an interim government was established in Bangladesh as students, alongside the masses, paved the way for it by sacrificing their lives.

Dr Moyeen said the interim government has been working to transform Bangladesh into a liberal democratic country. “I want to remind everyone that if you wish to secure the country's interests, you must sacrifice your own. I won’t be able to protect the country’s interests if I focus on personal gains.

He also said it is essential for all to accept that the new generation and the students are the future of the nation. “The students took to the streets, leaving their classrooms, to protest against injustice, and they succeeded in their struggle.”

Dr Moyeen urged the students to now return to their classrooms to complete their unfinished studies. “They will undoubtedly lead the country in the future and become leaders, ministers, MPs, Prime Ministers, and Presidents.”

He acknowledged that it is an undeniable fact that the students will form political parties, but they must first develop the qualities required to lead the country.

The BNP leader also claimed that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has been working to nurture new leadership from the younger generation.

Dr Moyeen observed that a country like Bangladesh must prioritise education above all else in order to achieve true development.