Staff Correspondent:

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called for collective efforts to establish a truly effective democratic state, stressing the importance of unity in safeguarding democratic values.

“Having overcome dark days and brought down autocracy, we must now involve ourselves in united efforts for building an effective democratic state,” he said in a message marking the International Day of Democracy.

Fakhrul highlighted the day’s significance, noting that September 15 serves as a global reminder to uphold the rule of law, freedom of expression, civil rights, human rights, and institutional accountability.

He paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of democracy in Bangladesh and abroad.

The BNP leader said democracy allows people to exercise sovereign power through elected representatives, who are tasked with serving citizens and ensuring fair decisions.

“When the practice of democracy continues, no autocratic force can rise,” he said.

Criticising the past government, Fakhrul alleged that for more than a decade Bangladesh endured a “disastrous Awami fascist regime” that suppressed civil liberties, voting rights, press freedom, and human rights through black laws, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and persecution of dissent.

He also referred to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, describing her imprisonment as politically motivated, and to acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who he said was victimised through fabricated cases.

Fakhrul noted that although the nation overcame “a terrible 16-year dark period” through the historic movement of July–August last year, “full democracy has yet to arrive.”

He stressed that free, fair, and impartial elections, decentralisation of state power, universal education, and social justice are essential for building lasting democracy.

This year’s International Day of Democracy carries the theme “Achieving Gender Equality Action by Action.”

Referring to it, Fakhrul said equal participation and opportunities for men, women, and other genders are fundamental to a democratic society, which must ensure equal legal and social rights for all.