Establishing a Welfare State and Society Is Government’s Commitment to People: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that establishing a welfare state and society by giving priority to people’s opinions and interests is the main commitment of the current government. He said the state must be governed through dialogue with the people, reflecting their expectations and interests. Keeping the commitment of “Bangladesh First, Bangladesh for All” in mind, the government is working tirelessly towards that goal.

The prime minister made the remarks in a message issued on Monday (September 14) on the occasion of International Day of Democracy, which will be observed on Tuesday (September 15). In his message, he extended his sincere greetings to democracy-loving people in Bangladesh and around the world and expressed his support for their democratic and human rights.

This year’s theme for International Day of Democracy is “Raising Hands and Voices, Fostering Agency and Ownership Through Deliberative Democracy.” The theme highlights the importance of public participation, expressing opinions and decision-making through dialogue and deliberation.

The prime minister said the core philosophy of democracy is to ensure freedom of speech and individual liberty, equality, human dignity and social justice for people in the state and society. Democratic rights are not limited to voting alone; political and economic empowerment of the people must also be ensured to establish democracy on a sustainable and institutional foundation.

He said the government is committed to restoring the religious, political, social and cultural rights of the people. At the same time, emphasis is being placed on increasing public participation, ensuring opportunities for freedom of expression, and making state institutions more accountable and effective.

Referring to different periods during which the country’s democratic rights were taken away, Tarique Rahman said the democratic rights of the people of Bangladesh had been stripped away at various times since independence. He claimed that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the declarer of independence, had established multiparty democracy in the country and restored people’s freedom of speech, individual liberty and freedom of the press.

The prime minister said democratic and political rights were subsequently taken away from the people and a fascist system of rule and exploitation was established in the country. He said that after more than a decade and a half of continuous movements and struggles, that rule came to an end through a bloody mass uprising led by students and the people.

He said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has stood for democracy and people’s rights from all positions, whether in government or in opposition. He also said that through a free, fair and impartial election held in a Bangladesh free from fascism, the people entrusted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) with the responsibility of governing the country.

Tarique Rahman said the government wants to build a Bangladesh where the prosperity and self-reliance of future generations will be ensured. At the same time, the country will have an inclusive and liberal political environment, social stability and justice.

Highlighting the significance of International Day of Democracy, the prime minister said democracy is strengthened by incorporating people’s opinions into the process of governance and ensuring their rights and dignity. He expressed respect for the democratic rights and human dignity of all people in Bangladesh and around the world.