“The struggle to restore democracy is not over yet,” says Amir Khasru

ছবিঃ সংগৃহীত

News Desk: Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, has said that the struggle to restore democracy is not yet over, and all parties must remain united to pave the way for it through a free and fair election. He emphasized that BNP and democracy are complementary; one cannot be sustainable without the other.

He made these remarks on Saturday at a discussion organized by the Zia Parishad at the National Press Club auditorium.

Amir Khasru highlighted the historic role of Ziaur Rahman in declaring independence, leading the war, and contributing to the country’s liberation. He noted that Ziaur Rahman was not only a freedom fighter but also a reformer, architect of a modern state, and a key leader of 7 November. He remarked that it is rare for a single individual to have contributed to the liberation war, governance, reforms, and the restoration of democracy.

The BNP Standing Committee member further stated that an anti-democratic faction is still actively trying to obstruct and delay the elections. They do not want a democratic environment to return because some quarters benefit from the absence of democracy. He said, “The struggle for democracy is not yet over. A free and fair election is the cornerstone of democracy, for which the people are awaiting the polls in the first half of February.”

Amir Khasru added that while discussions about the election are ongoing, attempts are being made to create confusion and obstruct the process. Efforts are also being made to impose demands on the country and its people through undemocratic and coercive means, which the people of Bangladesh will not accept. He emphasized that any demands should be presented through an electoral manifesto and taken to the people, not imposed on others, warning against following Sheikh Hasina’s path through force or coercion.