BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said the sacrifices of Shaheed Nazir Uddin Jihad and other martyrs of the anti-autocracy movement continue to inspire the nation in its struggle to restore democracy.
"The sacrifices of Jihad and many others were aimed at establishing democratic institutions, ensuring an independent judiciary and Election Commission and safeguarding press freedom in the country," he said at a commemorative meeting.
The meeting was held at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium of Jatiya Press Club to mark the 36th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Nazir Uddin Jihad, who was killed during the 1990 anti-autocracy mass uprising.
Addressing the programme as the chief guest, Rizvi said Jihad had travelled from Ullapara in Sirajganj to join the movement when he was killed by gunfire during the autocratic regime.
He said Jihad's death intensified the anti-autocracy movement and inspired people to renew their efforts to restore democracy.
"The 1990 student uprising led to the fall of autocrat Ershad. Shaheed Jihad, Dr Milon and many student leaders and activists sacrificed their lives during the movement," he said.
Rizvi also recalled the sacrifices of student leaders Zafar, Joynal, Harun and Mozammel, saying their contributions had served as a source of inspiration in the struggle for democracy.
He said democracy had repeatedly faced challenges even after the victory of the anti-autocracy movement, while the sacrifices of the martyrs continued to inspire successive generations.
Describing the July Mass Uprising as a continuation of the longstanding struggle against autocracy, Rizvi recalled the contributions of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who remained committed to restoring democracy despite political adversity, illness and imprisonment.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman later led the movement along the same path, he added.
Rizvi also paid tribute to Abu Sayeed, Wasim Akram, Mugdho, Ahnaf and others who lost their lives during the July uprising.
Referring to alleged corruption and abuses during previous autocratic rule, he said those associated with such regimes had been involved in corruption, embezzlement, money laundering, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Rizvi called for effective measures to prevent corruption and unethical practices that continued to exist at different levels of the administration and society.
"The public will support the government if it takes strict action against corruption and irregularities," he said.
He also referred to public welfare initiatives taken by the current government, including the introduction of various cards and the reopening of closed factories, saying effective measures against irregularities were essential to sustain the country's development, production and progress.
Rizvi urged people to remain vigilant against subversive activities and attempts by undemocratic forces to regain ground, stressing the need to protect the country's independence, sovereignty and stability.
With Durga Puja approaching, he called for communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths.
He also urged the public to remain alert to any attempts to disrupt communal harmony and ensure security at Puja mandaps.
Shaheed Jihad Smriti Parishad President Aman Ullah Aman chaired the meeting, moderated by BNP Joint Secretary General and lawmaker Khairul Kabir Khokon.
Prime Minister's Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon, Mostafizur Rahman Babul, former lawmaker Nazimuddin Alam, Habibur Rahman Habib and Khandaker Lutfor Rahman also spoke at the programme.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Daily Best News Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
