Message from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on the Occasion of International Day of Democracy

Message:

"Since 2007, the United Nations General Assembly has decided to observe September 15 as International Day of Democracy. Through this observance, the practice and exercise of democracy are encouraged. I pay deep respect to those who have sacrificed their lives in the struggle to achieve democracy, both in Bangladesh and across the world. I pray for the forgiveness of the martyrs’ souls and express my sympathies to the injured.

Democracy is universal; it is not confined to any specific country or region. In a democratic society, the dignity of individuals is upheld. Under a democratic system, people cannot be turned into slaves. It is only within a democratic state and society that human rights are guaranteed. Based on the free will of the people, all aspects of life—including political, economic, social, and cultural decisions—can be fully and spontaneously expressed. Across the world, the interest in democratic governance, embracing multiple perspectives and approaches, is often crushed under the dark grip of one-party misrule. In Bangladesh, too, citizens’ freedoms, voting rights, human dignity, and equality were stripped away under the destructive reign of Awami fascism. Freedom of the press was snatched away by various draconian laws, and many were subjected to enforced disappearances, killings, and extrajudicial executions due to dissenting views. The indomitable fighter for democracy, Begum Khaleda Zia, was imprisoned under false and fabricated charges as part of the legendary movement for the establishment of democracy in Bangladesh. Brutal oppression was unleashed on BNP's Acting Chairman Mr. Tarique Rahman through false charges and convictions. The people of this country endured a terrifying dark era, but today they can breathe somewhat freely thanks to the blood-soaked victory of the historic student-led mass movement.

The theme for this year's International Day of Democracy is: ‘Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement.’ We must move forward with the determination to build a modern democratic Bangladesh by using artificial intelligence for good governance and civic engagement. Over the past one and a half decades, citizens’ freedoms have been consistently eroded. The electoral process, pluralism, government accountability, and opportunities for political participation have all been severely restricted.

In the current changing situation, we must strive for a governance system in which the people can directly participate. The opinion of the people should be the foundation of governance. Only in a democratic system can peace, stability, development, and human rights be established.

We have overcome a difficult time and toppled the regime of tyranny. Now, we must plunge into the comprehensive efforts to establish an effective democratic state.  

Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad.