Democracy stops authoritarianism, protects people’s freedom: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that continued practice of democracy prevents any authoritarian power from rising and makes it impossible to enslave the people.

Speaking on the occasion of International Democracy Day on Monday, Fakhrul said, “Having overcome difficult times and toppled dictatorship, we must now focus on building a fully functional democratic state.”

He highlighted that International Democracy Day supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, civil rights, human rights, and accountable institutions. Fakhrul paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for democracy in Bangladesh and worldwide and expressed sympathy for those injured in the struggle.

“Democracy is a system where people exercise sovereign power, and elected representatives serve the public and make just decisions,” he added. “If democracy is practiced, no authoritarian force can rise, and the people cannot be enslaved.”

Fakhrul criticized the ruling Awami League government, accusing it of suppressing citizen freedoms, voting rights, and human dignity over the past decade and a half. He condemned the persecution of BNP leaders, including the imprisonment of party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on fabricated charges and the politically motivated cases against acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

Despite a historic victory through a mass movement last year, Fakhrul said full democracy has yet to be realized in Bangladesh. He emphasized that free, fair, and impartial elections, decentralization of power, universal education, and social justice are essential for a true democracy.

Highlighting this year’s International Democracy Day theme, “Achieving Gender Equality through Work,” Fakhrul said democracy ensures equal participation and rights for all genders, rejecting discrimination in any form.