Tarique Rahman urges free, fair polls to uphold democracy

Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday stressed the importance of conducting free and fair elections to ensure the continuity of democracy in Bangladesh.

In a message marking ‘Shaheed Jihad Day’, Tarique said, “Democracy is not just about holding elections — it means guaranteeing people’s freedom and fundamental rights.”

Shaheed Jihad Day commemorates Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad, a Chhatra Dal activist from Ullapara Upazila in Sirajganj, who was shot dead in Dhaka on October 10, 1990, during the movement against the autocratic rule of HM Ershad.

Tarique urged citizens to uphold the spirit of Jihad’s sacrifice in resisting both domestic and foreign conspiracies. “We must carry Jihad’s ideals in our hearts — to defeat internal and external plots, safeguard the country’s freedom and sovereignty, and restore true democracy,” he said.