Dhaka //

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that if the practice of democracy is sustained, no autocratic force can rear its head, and consequently, it becomes impossible to reduce the people to slavery. He made these remarks in a statement issued to the media on Monday (September 14) on the occasion of ‘International Day of Democracy’.

Rizvi said that this day is observed globally to promote and consolidate democratic principles. He expressed deep respect for those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for democracy in Bangladesh and across the world. He prayed for the salvation of the souls of the martyrs who laid down their lives and extended his sympathies to the injured. On this day, he conveyed sincere greetings and congratulations to democracy-loving people worldwide.

He noted that the dark shadow of one-party misrule still looms over various countries. For a decade and a half, a terrifying Awami fascist regime had been established in Bangladesh, dismantling civil liberties, voting rights, human dignity, and human rights. Through various draconian laws, press freedom was curtailed, and many fell victim to enforced disappearances, murders, and extrajudicial killings due to dissent. The legendary, uncompromising fighter for democracy, the late Begum Khaleda Zia, was imprisoned in false and fabricated cases. Barbaric persecution—including sentencing in false cases—was unleashed upon BNP Chairman and current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who remains steadfastly committed to democracy.

The BNP Acting Secretary General stated that after enduring sixteen years of dire times, the people of the country witnessed the fall of the autocracy through a historic, blood-stained movement in July-August 2024. Following the free and fair election on February 12, a genuine democratic government has now been formed in the country.

He emphasized the need to strengthen and revitalize the current democratic system to give democracy a permanent foundation. To keep democracy vibrant, the continuity of impartial elections must be ensured. True democracy is impossible without universal education, social justice, and the rule of law. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that in a democratic state and society, everyone—regardless of whether they are male, female, or of any other gender—is guaranteed equal participation and access to benefits. Democracy does not exacerbate gender-based discrimination; rather, it ensures equal legal and social rights for all.

The BNP’s Acting Secretary General said, “We have overcome difficult times and brought about the fall of the autocracy; now, we must throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the effort to build an effective democratic state.”

Read the news regularly and share your opinions.