Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday honored the martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of democracy and conveyed greetings to democracy supporters around the globe on the occasion of International Democracy Day 2025.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Tarique Rahman described democracy as a universal principle rooted in the people’s free will. He noted, “Real democracy means meaningful participation of citizens in every sphere of life-political, economic, social, and cultural.”
He recalled the role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in reestablishing multiparty democracy in Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman observed, “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Proclaimer of Independence, revived multiparty democracy after the suffocating grip of one-party Baksal rule.
His lasting philosophy and the essence of Bangladeshi Nationalism was built upon this
democratic foundation.” He further credited Begum Khaleda Zia for carrying forward Ziaur Rahman’s ideals despite repeated assaults by authoritarian regimes.
Tarique Rahman also slammed the ruling Awami government, accusing it of systematically undermining democracy over the past 15 years.
Highlighting this year’s theme of International Democracy Day, “Achieving Gender Equality Action by Action,” he stressed that democracy safeguards equal dignity and opportunity for all genders. “In a true democracy, space for dissent strengthens the path to gender parity and helps eliminate discrimination,” he said.
Referring to the recent July uprising of students and citizens that toppled a despotic rule, Tarique Rahman called for collective unity to restore democracy in Bangladesh.
He ended with a pledge to work for a Bangladesh that ensures self-reliance, prosperity for the next generation, a pluralistic and liberal political order, as well as justice and social harmony.
International Democracy Day, observed by the United Nations, aims to raise global awareness about the value and resilience of democracy.
