Democracy Day today

On this day in 1990, the then autocratic regime stepped down in the face of a mass upsurge, paving the way for restoration of democracy in the country.

In a message on the occasion, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia paid glowing tributes to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice during the anti-autocratic movement for establishing democracy.

She prayed for salvation of the departed souls and conveyed her sympathy to the people who were injured or tortured in many ways during the nine-year democratic movement.

"The democracy-loving people will always remember their contributions with a great respect," she said adding, "Today, democracy is again at stake as conspiracies are on to destroy the democratic process."

Khaleda said election is a prerequisite to democracy, but the old enemies of democracy are trying to impede the election process so that people cannot exercise their democratic rights.

"We've to resist them and foil their evil designs," she said, urging the people to work together to give the hard-earned democracy a strong footing.

In a separate message, AL President Sheikh Hasina described the day as very significant in pulling down the then autocratic government and restoring democracy.

She hoped that democracy would be ever lasting, voting rights of the people would be established and the people would get rid of all evil forces.