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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
Reiterating that public interests must be safeguarded through meaningful consultation with citizens, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that establishing a welfare-oriented state and society remains the government's primary commitment to the nation. He emphasized that the administration is working tirelessly with the guiding ethos of "Bangladesh First, Bangladesh for All" to fulfill this mandate.
The prime minister made these remarks in an official message issued on Monday (September 14) marking International Day of Democracy, observed this year under the global theme, "Raising hands and voices: Fostering agency and ownership through deliberative democracy."
Rahman extended warm greetings to pro-democracy citizens across Bangladesh and worldwide, reaffirming solidarity with their pursuit of democratic and human rights. He underscored that the core philosophy of democracy lies in guaranteeing freedom of expression, individual liberty, equality, human dignity, and social justice. Democratic rights extend far beyond casting ballots; ensuring sustainable, institutional democracy requires both the political and economic empowerment of citizens, he noted, reiterating the government's resolve to restore religious, political, social, and cultural freedoms.
Reflecting on national history, Rahman stated that democratic norms were systematically undermined on various occasions since independence. He noted that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy and restored freedom of the press and expression. However, those rights were subsequently usurped, imposing an autocratic regime that lasted for over a decade and a half before being toppled by students and the masses through a bloody uprising.
Highlighting the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's historic stance in defense of constitutional liberties from both treasury and opposition benches, Rahman said that the electorate entrusted the BNP with state governance through a free, fair, and credible election in a newly liberated political environment. He pledged to build a prosperous, self-reliant Bangladesh anchored in inclusive, liberal political practices, stability, and rule of law.
