2024-09-15 06:56:26
Acting Chairman of BNP Tariq Rahman has reiterated his commitment to restore democracy in Bangladesh unitedly. He said this in a statement on the occasion of International Democracy Day on September 15.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi sent this statement to the media on Saturday (September 14).
In the statement, Tariq Rahman said, ‘International Democracy Day’ is a special day held by UN member states on September 15 every year since 2007 to create interest in understanding democracy and its inherent power. Deep respect for those who gave their lives to establish democracy. I pray for the forgiveness of the departed souls of the martyrs who sacrificed themselves and express my condolences to the injured.
He said, the timeless philosophy of martyred President Ziaur Rahman was the core of Bangladeshi nationalism was multi-party democracy, which was based on equality, human dignity, individual and freedom of speech and social justice. This thought and philosophy was pioneered by Khaleda Zia in the uninterrupted path of uncompromising struggle. The brutal dictators have tried to destroy the multi-dimensional democracy by repeatedly attacking the democratic Bangladesh, which was founded on the will of the people. Against the backdrop of Khaleda Zia’s relentless struggle for a decade and a half, the world-shaking popular uprising of students last July toppled the worst dictatorship in history on August 5.
Tariq Rahman said that the main theme of this year’s International Democracy Day is ‘Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement’, i.e. using artificial intelligence for good governance and citizen participation. This theme is very timely. Technological excellence must be harnessed to ensure the rule of law.
Acting Chairman of BNP said that in the last 16-17 years crores of voters have not been given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. National and local government elections are conducted with fake voters. Crores of voters in the country could not participate in meaningful elections. Several generations of the country have grown up in a fearful and authoritarian environment without the practice and application of democratic rights.
He said, the freedom and creativity as well as human and mental development were restricted by misrule and had to live in constant obstacles. The bright and promising future of the youth has been thwarted. We still have a long way to go to build a strong and robust democracy. Because there is still weakness of democracy in most countries of the world.
Tariq Rahman said, personally, I and my party believe that there is no alternative to promoting and upholding the principles of democracy. Because democracy is a universal value that recognizes people’s free expression and unhindered expression of ideas. We are determined to build such a safe, progressive and democratic Bangladesh, which will contribute to global democratic development beyond national boundaries.
And so, unitedly we are committed to restore democracy in Bangladesh. Free, impartial and participatory elections will be the foundation of our state repair; Independence of judiciary and media and institutional application of all principles of democracy.’ Tariq Rahman said.
He also said, InshaAllah we will build a Bangladesh where future generations will be assured of prosperity and self-reliance, inclusive and liberal political environment and social status and justice.