‘Democracy is in trouble’

UNB, Dhaka :
BNP leader Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman on Saturday said evil forces have jeopardized the country’s independence and democracy.
“All our rights have been snatched away. Democracy and the independence of the country are now at stake,” said the BNP standing committee member.
He was addressing a discussion organised by Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP) at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the city marking the 57th anniversary of historic Kagmari Conference.
On February 7 in 1957, the Kagmari Conference was organised by then Awami League at Kagmari in Tangail district with
Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani in the chair. The main agenda in the council session was full autonomy for East Pakistan.
Mahbub denounced Ershad-led Jatiya Party for what he said its dual role-acting as opposition in parliament and having representation in the cabinet as well. “The opposition members have joined the cabinet. It’s unprecedented in the world.”
The BNP leader urged people to get united to rescue the country from the current crisis and restore democracy.
Recalling the Kagmari Conference and the role of Maulana Bhashani, Mahbub said it is unfortunate that Bhasani was not properly evaluated by the nation. “He was the best leader to Sheikh Mujib, Ziaur Rahman and all others. But it is regrettable that he is not duly remembered.”
Kallayan Party chairman Syed Mohammad Ibrahim, among others, addressed it. NAP chairman Jebel Rahman Gani presided over the meeting.