In a statement issued on the occasion of the Fall of Dictatorship and Liberation of Democracy Day, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said, “Historically, the fascist Awami League is a terrible enemy of democracy.”
In a message posted on his verified Facebook page on Friday, he recalled December 6, 1990—the day Ershad’s rule ended after a long movement. Tarique Rahman noted that Ershad’s seizure of power was a continuation of the “killing of democracy” that broke the multi-party political structure.
He said that Begum Khaleda Zia’s nine years of leadership and steadfast movement played a significant role in restoring democracy. He claimed that the “fall of fascist forces” on August 5, 2024, is also part of that historical continuity.
In the statement, he alleged that Begum Khaleda Zia has been subjected to “multiple levels of oppression” under Sheikh Hasina’s rule and that she is now in danger of death due to constant torture. Tarique Rahman also highlighted the “oppression” and “blockade situation” being carried out on the country’s nationalist forces.
Paying tribute to those killed in the 1982-1990 movement, he said that “democratic forces must remain united” to protect the revival of democracy, so that “the defeated authoritarian forces cannot return.”