Democracy still obstructed at every step: Khaleda Zia

BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia has said Bangladesh's democratic journey remains hindered, with obstacles present at every step despite the sacrifices made to establish it.

"Shaheed Ziaur Rahman sacrificed his life to establish democracy and protect the country's sovereignty. Yet, the path of democracy remains obstructed," she said in a virtual address today (29 May), marking the 44th death anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman that would be observed tomorrow (30 May).

Expressing optimism about the future, Khaleda added, "Very soon, we will see Bangladesh re-established in democracy. Let this be our pledge on the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Zia."

Calling on BNP leaders and supporters to remain united and disciplined, she urged all to work together to fulfil the vision Zia had for Bangladesh – a democratic, self-reliant, and inclusive nation.

"We must remember that the politics of democracy and development for all, which Zia left behind as a solution to the country's problems, must be implemented to truly honour him," she added. "We pray for the salvation of his soul."

Ziaur Rahman, who declared Bangladesh's independence from Chattogram's Kalurghat radio station in March 1971, was killed in a military coup at the Chittagong Circuit House on 30 May 1981. He had founded the BNP in 1978 after assuming the presidency the previous year.

Recalling the shock of his assassination, Khaleda said, "This day brings painful memories for our family, but the grief was shared by the whole nation. The country lost a leader who had united the people and set Bangladesh on the path to self-reliance."

In her brief speech lasting just under three minutes, Khaleda described Zia as "the architect of democracy, press freedom, judicial independence, development, and nationalism". She noted his legacy remains at the heart of BNP's political mission.

To mark the death anniversary today, black flags will be hoisted atop all BNP offices at 6am, including the central office in Nayapaltan, and party flags will fly at half-mast.

Polls delay slows economy: Tarique

At the same event, BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman accused the interim government of deepening political and economic uncertainty by failing to announce a specific date for the next national election.

"Ten months have passed since the interim government took charge, but a clear election schedule is still absent. This has created an atmosphere of anxiety across the country," he said.

"This uncertainty has severely slowed down economic activities. Investment remains stagnant as the country lacks a stable, elected government," Tarique added.

He said the election could still be held before or by December if the government finalises electoral reforms and shows genuine intent. "Announcing an election date is not about victory or defeat. It is about restoring the people's faith in democracy."

Tarique stressed that all political parties have submitted written reform proposals, with no major disagreements on their content. "Civil society is also concerned over the government's delay in responding."

Warning of deepening industrial unrest, he said, "Hundreds of factories have already shut down, and many more are nearing collapse. There is growing frustration as people struggle to communicate their grievances to government advisers."

He criticised the interim government's disconnect from the ground reality. "Some advisers are trying to solve problems through files and meetings, without understanding what the people are going through. But if governance through paperwork was enough, there would be no need for politics."

Tarique reiterated that true accountability in governance can only come through the ballot box. "When state power belongs to the people, authoritarianism cannot take root."