BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has emphasised the need for safeguarding citizens' freedom of expression and voting rights, asserting that such measures are essential to prevent the emergence of autocrats in Bangladesh.
"People's rights to vote must be ensured at any cost. Secondly, people should have the right to speak or express their opinions. These two cannot be obstructed. If we all, irrespective of party and opinion, can agree on this, then we will gradually be able to develop a system free from autocracy," he said at a discussion on Saturday.
The Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) organised the programme titled "Martyred President Ziaur Rahman: Whose Story is Our Philosophy" at the Shaheed Abu Sayed International Convention Center, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
When asked by a participant what should be done to keep the democratic system intact, Tarique responded, "As a political activist, what I understand by democracy is the exercise of the right to express one's opinion. What is acceptable in a democratic system worldwide is that people express their opinion through voting."
He said there are various political parties in Bangladesh, and it is natural for them to have different ideologies and opinions. "But we all must agree that people's right to speak must be protected. At the same time, the normal process of elections—which means people's right to vote—must be established."
The BNP leader also said these two principles must be practised in Bangladesh for at least 20-25 years to prevent undermining the democratic process in the name of democracy. "If we can ensure this, then we will be freed from autocracy."
In response to the same question, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said it is essential to truly exercise democracy and create a united resistance against any attempt to destroy democracy, as this is the key to preserving democracy in Bangladesh.
He said BNP founder Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy, which was later destroyed in 1982 by military ruler HM Ershad.
"The more we trust democracy, the more we become aware and active in protecting it, and the more proactive we are in opposing those who oppose democracy, the safer democracy will remain," the BNP leader said.
Nazrul also said no one in Bangladesh will dare to annihilate democracy again if those who believe in the democratic system unite in its favour.
Tarique recalled Ziaur Rahman's contributions to the nation, particularly in building the country and establishing multi-party democracy.
He said Ziaur Rahman had played a key role in the development of the ready-made garment (RMG) sector and the labour market abroad, which are now major sources of foreign currency for the country.
Describing Ziaur Rahman as a statesman, Tarique said, "Almost in every sector, Ziaur Rahman was successful."
He said Zia had left behind numerous examples to follow in order to move the country forward.
ZRF Vice President and physician Dr Zubaida Rahman recalled her meetings with Ziaur Rahman at various Notun Kuri programmes.
She also recited a poem dedicated to the memory of Ziaur Rahman, her late father-in-law.
