Khaleda Zia’s steadfast stand revived democracy on Dec 6 in 1990: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the uncompromising leadership and nine-year-long pro-democracy struggle of party chief Begum Khaleda Zia paved the way for the fall of autocracy on December 6 1990, a day he described as a turning point in country’s democratic history.

In a post published Friday evening, December 5, on his verified Facebook page ahead of Autocracy Resistance Day, Tarique Rahman alleged widespread repression against Khaleda Zia under the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and drew parallels between past and current political movements.

Calling December 6 an unforgettable day, he wrote that the blood-stained street movement of 1990 ended the autocratic rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad.

He recalled that Ershad had seized power on March 24, 1982 by removing elected president Justice Abdus Sattar at gunpoint, dismantling the multiparty democratic order introduced by President Ziaur Rahman.

Tarique Rahman said Khaleda Zia’s determined leadership built a powerful mass movement that ultimately defeated autocracy through the combined force of students and the public on 6 December 1990.

He linked that spirit to the events of 5 August 2024, claiming that students and citizens once again rose to defeat what he described as a violent fascist force.

He accused the Awami League of being historically hostile to democracy and said the end of Sheikh Hasina’s rule opened a path toward reviving democratic values. He urged continued efforts to fully restore democracy in the state and society.

The BNP leader reiterated allegations that Khaleda Zia faced imprisonment, repression, and multiple forms of persecution under Sheikh Hasina’s government, saying her prolonged mistreatment has gravely endangered her health.

He also claimed that thousands of BNP activists faced severe oppression nationwide.

Tarique Rahman paid tribute to those killed in the anti-autocracy movement between 1982 and 1990 and congratulated all who participated in the struggle to protect democracy.