Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday accused the ruling BNP of forgetting its pledge to institutionalise democracy, saying the July 2024 mass uprising created a historic opportunity to establish democracy in the country.
“The previous Awami fascist government had buried democracy, but the July 2024 mass uprising created a historic opportunity to establish democracy in the country. Before the election, BNP pledged to institutionalise democracy. But after coming to power, they have forgotten that pledge,” he said in a message issued ahead of International Democracy Day, to be observed on Tuesday.
Shafiqur, also ameer of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, said the previous Awami League government deprived people of their voting rights, justice, social security and fundamental rights.
“Democracy is not merely a temporary process of forming a government; rather, it is the main foundation for ensuring people’s fundamental rights, social justice, freedom of expression and the rule of law,” he said.
If democracy remains protected, a society can move forward on the path of progress, free from authoritarianism, exploitation and discrimination, the opposition leader said.
He said Bangladesh has a long history of sacrifice and struggle, with people repeatedly shedding blood to restore democracy and human rights.
“Unfortunately, throughout history, the democratic rights of the people have been taken away in various ways due to authoritarian attitudes and abuse of power,” Shafiqur said.
He said students and people from all walks of life brought the July uprising by shedding their blood.
“This uprising must not be allowed to fail. At any cost, we must build a discrimination-free and humane Bangladesh that meets the expectations of the nation,” the opposition leader said.
He said there is no alternative to democracy in building a discrimination-free society based on justice, honesty and human values.
“On this special occasion of International Democracy Day, Jamaat pledges to consolidate and institutionalise democracy. To this end, Jamaat has been working tirelessly to establish equality, the rule of law, citizens’ rights and freedom of expression in the country,” Shafiqur said.
“The nation must not be pushed towards the curses of enforced disappearances, killings and crossfire under any circumstances,” he added.
The opposition leader called for implementing the referendum verdict to free the administration from narrow partisan and for making the country free from bribery, corruption, extortion and land grabbing.
“We must pledge to build a completely transparent and genuinely people-oriented system of governance,” he said.
Shafiqur called upon people from all walks of life to play a united role in institutionalising democracy, ensuring fair civic services and standing against any form of injustice to build a discrimination-free and humane Bangladesh.