Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended greetings to democracy-loving people in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion of International Day of Democracy, expressing support for their democratic, political and human rights.
In a message, he said people’s democratic rights have been taken away at different times since Bangladesh’s independence, while democracy has also been undermined.
Tarique Rahman said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the declarer of Bangladesh’s independence, introduced multiparty democracy and restored freedom of speech, personal freedom and freedom of the press.
He said the BNP, both in government and opposition, has repeatedly stood for democracy.
The Prime Minister said democratic and political rights were taken away and “fascist rule and exploitation” were re-established in the country. He credited students and people with ending the rule through more than a decade and a half of movements and struggles.
He said people in a “fascism-free Bangladesh” entrusted the BNP with the responsibility of running the state through a free, fair and impartial election.
Tarique Rahman said democracy is not limited to the right to vote. Sustainable and institutional democracy also requires political and economic empowerment of the people.
He said the government is committed to restoring the religious, political, social and cultural rights of the people and stressed that their interests must be protected through dialogue and discussion.
The Prime Minister said establishing a welfare-oriented state and society is the government’s commitment to the people and that it is working with the resolve of “Bangladesh First—Bangladesh for All.”
He said the government wants to build a Bangladesh where future generations will enjoy prosperity and self-reliance, an inclusive and liberal political environment, social stability and justice.
The International Day of Democracy will be observed worldwide with the theme “Raising Hands and Voices—Fostering Agency and Ownership through Deliberative Democracy.”
