‘Institutionalising democratic environ major onus’

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked that the country’s greatest responsibility now is to institutionalize and safeguard the democratic environment achieved through long struggles and sacrifices.

He stated that the people of the country have repeatedly struggled to establish democracy, facing various obstacles along the way. He emphasized that the opportunity which has now arisen must not be squandered, ensuring that democracy is not lost again due to negligence.

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a civic reception organised by the Sylhet City Corporation on the City Bhaban premises on Tuesday afternoon.

He noted that the country has traversed a complex period over the last 15-16 years. During this time, political leaders and activists had to wage prolonged struggles to establish democracy; many lost their lives or were injured. It is through their sacrifices that an opportunity to create a democratic environment in the country has emerged.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that ousting a fascist government and establishing a democratic environment became possible only after a long fight involving immense sacrifice, bloodshed, and the loss of lives. Now, the opportunity has arrived to institutionalize democracy.

He observed that a government has been formed through elections. The major responsibility facing the government now is to revive the country from the ruins and fulfill the people’s expectations.

He stated that democracy is not established merely by holding elections; democratic institutions must be made effective, and the parliament must play a functional role. While differences of opinion between the ruling party and the opposition are natural, such differences must be resolved through dialogue.

He added that the primary responsibility of both the ruling party and the opposition is to sustain the democratic system. Everyone must act responsibly to ensure the parliament functions correctly, and disagreements on various issues must be resolved through discussion.

Highlighting future political responsibilities, Mirza Fakhrul said that while they fought to establish democracy in the past, a new struggle has now begun to rebuild the country and strengthen democracy. At the same time, a livable country must be built for future generations.

He said, “The battle ahead of us is to rebuild the country, strengthen democracy, and create a truly livable home for future generations.”

Emphasizing the need for consensus among political parties in the national interest, the President noted that the country will naturally have a government and an opposition, and differences of opinion on various issues will exist.

However, everyone must move forward unitedly on matters of national interest.
He said, “Let us reach a consensus on the issues we share in common. Let us move forward together based on that agreement.”

Commending Bangladesh’s communal harmony, Mirza Fakhrul noted that people of various religions and communities-including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians-have lived side by side in the country for a long time.

This harmony is one of Bangladesh’s greatest attributes. This harmony and unity must be preserved to ensure the country’s continued progress.

Recalling his long-standing political ties with Sylhet, the President mentioned that he has visited the region many times.

In the past, he participated in various programs in Sylhet alongside BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The people of Sylhet have also played a significant role in the movement for democracy.

Praising the residents of Sylhet, he remarked that the people of this region are known for their hospitality and peace-loving nature, as well as a tradition of protesting against injustice.

The people of Sylhet have made great sacrifices in the past for the cause of establishing democracy.

Paying tribute to distinguished figures from Sylhet, Mirza Fakhrul noted the region’s connection to the lives and works of many eminent personalities, such as Hason Raja, Radharaman Dutta, Sufi mystic Shah Abdul Karim, Hemanga Biswas, and Syed Mujtaba Ali. Sylhet also played a pivotal role in the Liberation War.

Regarding the development of Sylhet, the President stated that local ministers and Members of Parliament are working on addressing the region’s various challenges and exploring its potential.

Several major projects have already been initiated. He expressed hope that the implementation of these projects would fulfill the long-standing aspirations of the people of Sylhet.

He added that the people themselves must take the initiative for their own rights and development. Instead of expecting others to come and do everything for them, they must harness their own capabilities and unity.

The President said, “If we cannot stand on our own two feet, if we cannot secure our own demands ourselves, no one else will come and do it for us.”

Presided over by SCC Administrator Abdul Quiyum Chowdhury, the event was addressed by Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Minister of Labour and Expatriates’ Welfare Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and National Parliament Whip GK Gous.

Government officials, political leaders, professionals, and prominent figures from various walks of life were present on the occasion.

At the event, the President was presented with a civic address and various gifts on behalf of the SCC.
Meanwhile, the President arrived at Osmani International Airport at 11:27 AM on Tuesday (September 15) for a one-day visit.

Subsequently, under tight security, the President’s motorcade escorted him from the airport to the Circuit House. A guard of honour was accorded to the President at the Circuit House.

Earlier, he was welcomed at the airport by Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and the Minister of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury; Members of Parliament from various constituencies in Sylhet; Sylhet District BNP President and SCC Administrator Abdul Quiyum Chowdhury; General Secretary and MP Emran Ahmad Chowdhury; Sylhet Metropolitan BNP President Nasim Hossain; General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury; the Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet; as well as other political leaders and high-ranking administrative officials.

Strict security measures were implemented across the city in connection with Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s visit to Sylhet.

Key areas-particularly the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shahparan (RA)-were blanketed in tight security for the President’s visit. Special arrangements were also made regarding security and traffic management in Sylhet city for the occasion.