A democratic and accountable government formed through the direct mandate of the people: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that, following one and a half decades of fascist rule and exploitation, the country has established an accountable and democratic government through the direct votes of its people.

“The people have regained their lost democratic political rights,” he said while inaugurating the e-bail bond system in seven additional districts, including Bogura, at a অনুষ্ঠানে held on the District and Sessions Judge Court premises this morning.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Bogura District Bar Association within the court premises.

Tarique Rahman, who also serves as Chairman of the ruling BNP, said the need of the hour is to ensure that no autocrat or subservient force can again deprive citizens of their rights or impose fascist rule in the country.

“With that objective, the present government has taken appropriate measures to strengthen all constitutional institutions,” he added.

Among others present at the event were the Prime Minister’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman.

The Prime Minister stressed that without proper coordination among the three branches of the state—legislative, executive and judiciary—the benefits of democratic rights cannot be fully realized.

He said ensuring justice is fundamental to maintaining social balance, equality and citizens’ rights, describing it as a cornerstone of a modern state and essential for upholding morality and the rule of law.

Tarique Rahman also noted that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of the country’s independence, had paved the way for judicial independence in Bangladesh.

Highlighting the critical role of judges in upholding the rule of law, he said Ziaur Rahman had restored judicial independence that had been undermined by the fourth amendment to the constitution.

“However, during the fascist regime, the judiciary was turned into a partisan institution,” he added.

He further claimed that although the country was governed in the name of law, justice was largely absent.

Referring to August 2024, the Prime Minister said the freedom-loving people of the country were liberated from what he described as a period of darkness.

“The present government is therefore committed to ensuring people’s access to justice by firmly establishing the rule of law,” he said.

He added that if people can trust that courts are places of justice rather than harassment, incidents of mob violence will decline.

“With that vision, the government aims to establish the judiciary as a place of justice and trust,” he said.

More to follow…