DU Correspondent :
Despite a persistent downpour on Saturday, BNP leaders and activists gathered to commemorate those martyred in the struggle for democracy.
The event, organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to mark International Democracy Day, was held at the central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.
Participants included leaders and activists from other political groups such as Gono Odhiker Parishad and Gonosonghoti Andolon. They called for justice for those involved in murders and disappearances.
Relatives of victims from the recent July movement, as well as those affected by political repression over the past 16 years under the Awami League regime, displayed photographs of their loved ones and expressed their profound grief. Many were moved to tears during their addresses.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who presided over the event, urged unity and vigilance. “We have to work together to establish a democratic state and be cautious so that no one can divide us,” he stated.
Fakhrul also addressed recent violence, saying, “A BNP leader was martyred in Gopalganj yesterday.
They hide like hyenas and can attack us at any time. We must resist these attacks, and democracy must be established.”
He referred to ongoing oppression, noting, “We have been oppressed in the struggle for democracy for the last 16 years. About 700 people are missing. People are still crying and searching for their missing loved ones. They need to be found.”
He further appealed to the interim government to provide support for those crippled and martyred over the past 16 years, stating, “We have achieved the interim government through struggle and sacrifice. People have high hopes for this government. They expect a level playing field through a democratic system and reformation of democratic institutions, allowing us to establish a fair and democratic society.”
Mohiuddin, father of Ashabul Yamin, a student of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), killed by police firing on 18 July in Savar expressed his anguish. He said, “There is no burden heavier than carrying the dead body of a child. I don’t want to see any parent or sister endure such suffering. I seek justice for my son and wish for the police to fulfil their proper duties.”
Suman Ahmed, addressing the murder of his brother Emon , who was shot on 5 August and died on 18 August, demanded justice for his brother’s death. He said, “Emon Bhai was our whole family. He taught us and passed away from bullet injuries. I seek justice for him.”
The event also featured speeches from Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partha, Nurul Haque Noor of Gono Odhiker Parishad, and Junaid Saki of Gonosonghoti Andolon, among others.