Tarique Rahman Calls for Unity to Prevent Resurgence of Defeated Anti-Democratic Forces

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged pro-democracy forces to remain united so that the defeated anti-democratic elements cannot re-emerge. He made the call in a post published on his verified Facebook page on Friday, 5 December.

Tarique Rahman described 6 December as an unforgettable day. He recalled that on this day in 1990, the bloodstained struggle against dictatorship came to an end. He noted that on 24 March 1982, Hussain Muhammad Ershad violated his oath and professional responsibility by overthrowing the elected president, Justice Abdus Sattar, through military force, thereby destroying democracy and establishing unconstitutional rule.

He wrote that the constitutional politics introduced by the proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman — which guaranteed a multi-party democratic system — was shattered as Ershad dismantled democratic institutions.

Tarique Rahman added that to restore democracy, Begum Khaleda Zia waged a steadfast, uncompromising struggle for nine long years, ultimately earning recognition as a leader of resolute determination. She mobilized a powerful democratic movement that, on 6 December 1990, culminated in the overthrow of dictatorship through the combined force of students and the general public, ushering in the return of democracy.