International Day of Democracy

Democracy draws its strength from people. Their choices, their voices and their participation in shaping society. It only thrives when the rights of those participating are protected.

On this International Day of Democracy, we remember the struggle of every pro-democracy person in Bangladesh and across the world, those who have tragically sacrificed their lives, shed blood, and endured state-sponsored repressions to restore democracy. The cost to uphold democracy should never be as high as people’s lives and well-being.

Today provides us an opportunity to reflect on this year’s theme ‘From Voice to Action’. We take pride in how President Ziaur Rahman established multi-party democracy and Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia introduced parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP has always worked to ensure that words are matched with action, that promises of democracy are truly realised.

Now, we are at another pivotal juncture for Bangladesh’s democracy, at a time when our democracy and the rule of law are under assault from division, disinformation and extremism.

The BNP believe that democracy requires the participation of all citizens, their voices reflected in an elected parliament, which has the truest mandate to deliver on justice, peace, development and human rights.

The nation’s democratic aspiration for an accountable and transparent government, with electoral mandate and pro-people policies, must be fulfilled in February 2026. We must demand it. Together as one nation, let’s continue to build the ideal of true democracy into a reality to be enjoyed by every Bangladeshi. Let us not wait any longer.