Authoritarianism Defeated, Now We Must Build a Democratic State: Mirza Fakhrul

PNN News Desk | Dhaka:
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has stated, “We have overcome difficult times and brought down authoritarian rule. Now we must fully commit ourselves to building an effective democratic state.”

He made this call in a message on Sunday (September 15) on the occasion of International Democracy Day, which was published on BNP’s verified Facebook page.

In his message, Fakhrul said democracy means the rule of law, freedom of expression, human rights, citizens’ rights, and the development of accountable institutions. He added that this day encourages the practice and promotion of democracy worldwide. He also paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives to protect democracy and expressed sympathy for those injured.

The BNP leader alleged that for the past one and a half decades, attempts have been made to stifle democracy in Bangladesh. Civil liberties and voting rights have been curtailed, press freedom has been limited, and dissenting voices have faced enforced disappearances and killings. He reminded that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was imprisoned on false charges and that the Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman was unjustly sentenced.

Fakhrul said, “The people have achieved victory through a historic blood-soaked struggle, but full democracy has yet to be realized. True democracy cannot be established without free and fair elections.”

He further emphasized that decentralization of state power, universal education, and social justice are essential for a sustainable democracy. Ensuring equal rights by eliminating gender-based or any other form of discrimination should also be a central goal of a democratic society.

In his message, Mirza Fakhrul urged the people of the country to remain united in defending democracy.