Democracy buried: Fakhrul

Alleging that Awami League government has buried democracy, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the country's democratic institutions have been destroyed.

"The people's rights, including their voting rights, have been snatched away. There is no security in public life," he said after the BNP leaders placed wreath at the Central Shaeed Minar.

They paid tributes to martyrs of 1952 language movement veterans, on behalf of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is now in jail after her conviction in a graft case on 8 February.

"We're observing the day at a time when democracy has been buried and all democratic institutions are ruined," said Mirza Fakhrul.

"Democratic institutions, from the judiciary to parliament have been politicised," he regretted.

The BNP leader said their hearts are broken as the BNP chairperson being implicated and convicted in a 'fase' case has been suffering in jail.

Mirza Fakhrul expressed determination to wage a movement by forging a national unity to free Khaleda Zia and democracy.

"We all must be united to defeat the repressive forces," he added.

BNP central leaders including standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain went to the Central Shaheed Minar around 11:30 am after the party leaders and activists started a procession from Azimpur area.