'Protecting democracy now biggest responsibility'

SYLHET, Sept 15: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the democratic environment has returned to Bangladesh after years of struggle and sacrifice, and protecting democracy and giving it an institutional shape is now the biggest responsibility of all.

He said both ruling and opposition parties have a responsibility to sustain the democratic system and make Parliament effective.

The President made the remarks while addressing a civic reception hosted by Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) in his honour in the afternoon. His wife Rahat Ara Begum was also present.
“We have achieved democracy. Protecting democracy is now our biggest task and responsibility,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul said Parliament must be made effective and political differences should be resolved through dialogue.

He said people had made immense sacrifices for democracy in the past and the opportunity created through those sacrifices must not be wasted.

“Now our biggest challenge is to rebuild the country, strengthen democracy and build a healthy, beautiful and liveable Bangladesh for future generations,” the President said.

He called on people, irrespective of political affiliation, to work together in the national interest and make the most of the opportunity that has emerged after years of struggle.�"UNB