Nation to observe Democracy Restoration Day today

The nation will observe "Democracy Restoration Day" today marking the fall of the then military dictator HM Ershad who was forced to step down on this day in 1990 in the face of a mass uprising.

Marking the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages. 

Opposition leader Rowshan Ershad, however, did not issue any statement.

Her Jatiya Party will observe the day as "Constitution Protection Day" and will organise a discussion at the Institute of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh where Ershad, now the prime minister's special envoy, will speak as the chief guest.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message called upon all to work together to strengthen the foundations of democracy for the development and welfare of the nation.

She said in the last two decades after 1990, the Awami League played a responsible role to protect people's right to vote and food. She said the scope for power grab was removed through the 15th constitutional amendment.

Khaleda alleged that the country's democracy was at risk now and the incumbent government snatched people's fundamental rights. "Now there is no democracy in the country and there is no security for people's lives and properties," she said.

Khaleda called upon all to unite to restore democracy.