Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, on Sunday said democracy was endangered in Bangladesh during the 16-year rule of Sheikh Hasina.

“Democracy was at stake in Bangladesh during the 16 years under Sheikh Hasina’s rule. A reign of fear was established through repression of opposition parties and extrajudicial killings,” he said.

He made the remarks when Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh Abdelouahab Saidani paid a courtesy call on him at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, according to a press release.

During the meeting, the Speaker recalled the sacrifice of late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in this long process of restoring democracy. “The people of Bangladesh have regained their democratic rights through the exercise of their franchise in the recently held national election,” he said.

Highlighting bilateral ties, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the future joint progress of Bangladesh and Algeria relationship would be strengthened based on strong people-to-people contact and cultural exchange.

He also said Algeria’s support for Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly has further strengthened the friendly relations between the two countries.

The Algerian Ambassador said the government and people of Algeria highly appreciated the recently held free and fair parliamentary election in Bangladesh.

During the meeting, both sides also exchanged views on cooperation in sports, technical assistance, shipbuilding, garment exports, education and energy sectors.

The Speaker emphasised the formation of a parliamentary friendship group with Algeria, strengthening diplomatic ties, and increasing exchange visits between parliamentary delegations.