Democracy Day today

General Ershad, who grabbed power through a military coup on March 24, 1982, handed over power to a neutral interim government ending his nine years of autocratic rule.

The 1991 general election that followed made way for the 12th Amendment that reintroduced the parliamentary system of democracy. The general election was held under the first ever non-party caretaker government led by then Chief Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed.

Different political parties and various socio-cultural organisations have taken elaborate programmes to mark the day.

President, prime minister and opposition leader issued separate messages calling for united efforts to further consolidate the dearly earned democracy.

In his message, President Iajuddin Ahmed greeted the countrymen on the occasion saying the nation remembers with great admiration the struggle and sacrifices of those who fought and laid down their lives for the restoration of democracy.

Iajuddin urged all to play a united role in taking the country forward to development and prosperity through establishing the hard earned democracy on a firm footing.

In her message, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia paid respect to the democracy martyrs and also prayed for salvation of the departed souls.

"The democracy earned in exchange of lot of sacrifices should be consolidated at any cost. Everyone should remain alert against the enemies of democracy," she said.

The nine-year long movement came to a success on the day, and democracy, freedom of speech and constitution was restored, she added.

In a statement, Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina said the 6th of December is a memorable day for the people and that people would foil all conspiracies against democracy by reactionary forces.

Hasina paid homage to those who laid down their lives to establish people's democratic rights.