Dhaka: The International Day of Democracy 2026 will be observed tomorrow in the country, as well as around the world. The government, social, and political organizations have planned various programs to mark the day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making to foster trust and build resilient societies. The United Nations Democracy Fund and the United Nations Office for Partnerships are set to host an event at the UN Headquarters to showcase how deliberative democracy can enhance public agency by incorporating diverse voices into governance processes.
Bangladesh is witnessing a resurgence in democratic practices following a political shift last February. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, assumed office after a participatory election, signaling a renewed commitment to democracy. The country is experiencing a political environment where opposition voices have a platform, political parties can organize freely, and the media operates without fear of reprisal.
BNP Acting Secretary General, Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, emphasized the importance of continued democratic practices to prevent dictatorial forces from gaining power. He noted that democracy began its victorious journey on August 5, 2024, culminating in the free and fair election of February 12, 2026. Rizvi called for all democratic stakeholders to protect and nurture the democratic environment.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Md Shafiqur Rahman, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of democracy for ensuring social justice and fundamental rights. He referred to the 2024 mass uprising as a pivotal moment for establishing democracy in Bangladesh.
Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, expressed that the current political landscape allows for unrestricted freedom of speech, contrasting it with the previous government's autocratic practices. He credited the 2024 movement and subsequent election for this shift, noting the absence of political repression and the expansion of democratic rights.
The observance of International Day of Democracy in Bangladesh comes at a time when the country is transitioning from years of political fear to a period of democratic optimism. The BNP government, through its commitment to democratic values and practices, aims to continue this positive trajectory, ensuring that Bangladesh remains on the path of democratic governance.