Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the BNP, claimed that previous president and Jatiya Party founder Hussain Muhammad Ershad was a “dictator” who destroyed democracy.

In a message celebrating Shaheed Jehad Day on Thursday, he praised Najiruddin Jehad, a martyr of the anti-dictatorship campaign.

Tarique stated that dictator Ershad had killed democracy. Jehad dedicated his life to restoring and strengthening democracy. His spirit would suffer if we do not fulfill his dream.”

He emphasized the need for fair elections, adding: “To maintain the trend of democracy, fair elections must be held. An essential condition for free and fair elections is a non-partisan neutral government during the elections.”

According to Tarique Rahman, democracy is not only about elections but also about ensuring people’s freedom and fundamental rights.

He called on the nation to resist domestic and foreign conspiracies, safeguard freedom and sovereignty, and restore democracy, all while keeping the spirit of martyr Jehad alive.

He said: “On the occasion of Shaheed Jehad Day, I pay deep respect to the memory of Najiruddin Jehad, a fearless soldier of the anti-dictatorship movement. I pray for the forgiveness of his soul.”

In a message sent to the media on Thursday, Tarique Rahman described Najiruddin Jehad as an “unforgettable name” in the anti-Ershad movement of the 1990s. He noted that the blood-stained struggle was for the re-establishment of multi-party democracy, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press.

“While playing a leading role in the anti-dictatorship mass movement of the 1990s, Jehad took a police bullet to his chest,” said Tarique Rahman. “This fearless student leader was martyred, leading to the popular uprising that resulted in the fall of dictator Ershad.”