BNP has forgotten its pledge to “institutionalise democracy” after coming to power, despite the historic opportunity created by the 2024 mass uprising to establish democracy in the country, Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said today.

“The previous Awami fascist government buried democracy. The people were deprived of voting rights, justice, social protection and fundamental rights. However, the July 2024 mass uprising created a historic opportunity to establish democracy in the country. Before the election, BNP had pledged to institutionalise democracy. But after coming to power, they forgot that pledge,” he said in a statement issued today, on the eve of International Day of Democracy.

“When democracy is protected, a society can move towards progress free from autocracy, exploitation, and discrimination,” he added.

The Jamaat chief said Bangladesh has a long history of sacrifice and struggle, with people repeatedly shedding blood to restore democracy and human rights. However, he said, their democratic rights have repeatedly been taken away through authoritarian attitudes and abuse of power.

“Against such a backdrop, students and people from all walks of life brought about the July Revolution by shedding their blood. This revolution must not be allowed to fail. At any cost, we must build a discrimination-free and humane Bangladesh that meets the aspirations of the nation,” he said.

Shafiqur said there is no alternative to democracy in building a discrimination-free society based on justice, integrity and human values.

“On this special occasion of International Day of Democracy, Jamaat-e-Islami pledges to the people of the country to strengthen and institutionalise democracy.

“To this end, Jamaat-e-Islami has been working relentlessly to establish equality, the rule of law, citizens’ rights and freedom of expression in the country. The nation must not be pushed towards the curse of enforced disappearances, killings and crossfire under any circumstances,” he said.