Tarique calls for continued struggle to uphold democratic values
Reflecting on the historical significance of 6 December, Tarique described it as an unforgettable day in Bangladesh’s political history
The nation must continue its relentless struggle to uphold democratic values in the state and society, BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman said today (5 December).
"In the spirit of the democracy we achieved, students and the people once again defeated a vicious fascist force on 5 August 2024. Historically, the fascist Awami League has been a dangerous enemy of democracy. After the end of Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian rule, we must persist in our tireless efforts to fully revive democracy and re-establish democratic values," he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook profile, marking 6 December — the day of the fall of the dictatorship.
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Reflecting on the historical significance of 6 December, Tarique described it as an unforgettable day in Bangladesh's political history. On this day in 1990, mass protests ended the autocratic regime of Hussain Muhammad Ershad.
He recalled that Ershad had overthrown then elected president Justice Abdus Sattar on 24 March 1982, violating his professional oath and imposing an unconstitutional rule that "murdered democracy."
The BNP acting chairman said the foundations of multiparty democracy were laid by the "proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman," but Ershad's autocracy turned democratic institutions into "ruins."
He noted that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia led a determined, uncompromising nine-year movement to restore democracy, eventually culminating in the mass uprising of 6 December 1990.
Turning to recent events, Tarique alleged that under Sheikh Hasina's rule, Khaleda Zia was subjected to imprisonment, repression, and various forms of persecution, leading to a severe deterioration of her health.
He also claimed that hundreds of thousands of leaders and activists of nationalist forces faced widespread oppression across the country.
Marking the commemorative day, he expressed deep respect for the martyrs of the anti-autocracy movement from 1982 to 1990 and prayed for their souls. He also extended greetings to the people who participated in the struggle for democracy.
Tarique called on all democratic forces to remain united to ensure that "defeated anti-democratic elements" can never re-emerge in the country.
