BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has labeled the ruling Awami League as a “sleeping monster” and urged for unity to prevent its return. He stated, “After 16 years of bloodshed, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief. To make this peace permanent, we must ensure free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, and tolerance for opposing views—essential elements of democracy.” Rizvi warned that though the defeated autocrats pretend to be dormant, they occasionally attempt to rise again. “No matter our differences, we must remain united to stop the return of this sleeping monster and prevent the resurgence of a new authoritarian regime,” he emphasized.