The acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, has emphasised that a neutral, non-partisan government during election periods is essential to ensuring free and fair elections.
He stated that democracy is not merely about holding elections but also about guaranteeing people's freedom and fundamental rights.
In a statement issued on Thursday (10 October) to mark Shahid Jehad Day, Rahman shared these remarks with the media.
Tarique Rahman paid deep respects to the memory of Shahid Nazir Uddin Jehad, a fearless soldier in the anti-autocracy movement. He prayed for the forgiveness of Jehad's soul, recognising his indelible role in Bangladesh's struggle for democracy.
The BNP leader remarked that the name of Shahid Nazir Uddin Jehad is forever engraved in history for his courage during the 1990 anti-Ershad movement.
He recalled that the bloody struggle of that time was aimed at restoring multi-party democracy, freedom of expression, and the independence of the press.
During the mass protests against autocrat Ershad in the 1990s, Jehad, a brave student leader, took a bullet from the police in his chest and attained martyrdom. His sacrifice paved the way for the popular uprising later that year, which led to the fall of the dictatorial regime of Ershad.
Tarique Rahman further stated that Jehad's sacrifice should inspire everyone to resist the conspiracies of both domestic and foreign nefarious forces, protect the nation's sovereignty, and restore democracy. He stressed that for the continuity of democracy, it is imperative to hold free and fair elections.
