Protecting democracy is our biggest task now: President
President Calls for Shared Commitment to Safeguard Democracy
Bdbusinessdaily.com – President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the government and opposition to work together to protect democratic institutions, describing the preservation of democracy as Bangladesh’s most urgent responsibility after years of political struggle and sacrifice.
Speaking at a civic reception organised by Sylhet City Corporation at Nagar Bhaban on 15 September, the president said the country now faces an important opportunity to make democratic practice durable and effective. He stressed that the task ahead is not simply political competition, but building agreement around the principles that allow a democratic state to function.
“We have regained democracy by removing the fascist government at the cost of many sacrifices and lives. Now we have an opportunity to institutionalise democracy. Protecting democracy is our main task.”
His remarks placed particular emphasis on cooperation between those in power and those outside government. While disagreements are inevitable in a plural political system, he said, national interests require consensus on fundamental issues. He also called for a stronger and more effective parliament, presenting it as an essential forum for debate, accountability and collective decision-making.
Call for a functioning parliament
The president said differing opinions should not prevent political leaders from finding common ground where the country’s democratic future is concerned. A parliament that operates effectively, he suggested, can help ensure that political disagreements are addressed through institutions rather than confrontation.
“There will be differences of opinion on various issues, but we must reach consensus on fundamental matters.”
He linked the protection of democracy with the broader challenge of national reconstruction. Bangladesh, he said, has experienced setbacks more than once, but the current moment offers another chance to rebuild the country, reinforce democratic governance and pursue prosperity. He appealed for a sense of self-reliance and warned against allowing the opportunity to pass.
“Bangladesh has stumbled many times. Today we have another opportunity to rebuild the country. We must not lose this opportunity. We have to stand on our own feet.”
The comments carry a broader message for political parties, public institutions and citizens alike: restoring democratic rule is only one part of the process. Its longer-term protection depends on the ability of institutions to withstand differences, maintain public trust and make space for meaningful participation. The president’s focus on parliament and political cooperation highlighted the importance of rules and dialogue in maintaining that stability.
A non-partisan role
At the start of his address, Mirza Fakhrul reflected on the change in his own responsibilities since becoming president. He said that the office requires him to act and speak differently from the way he did during his earlier life as a political activist.
“I cannot speak to you in the same way as I did before as a political worker because I have taken an oath to work and speak in a completely non-partisan manner.”
That distinction formed an important part of his address. By referring to the oath of office, he underlined the expectation that the presidency should stand above party interests. In a country where political differences can be deeply felt, the ability of constitutional offices to maintain impartiality is closely connected to public confidence in democratic institutions.
The event, however, was not attended by the Sylhet metropolitan unit of the BNP. The unit boycotted the reception, saying it had not been given proper consideration during preparations for the programme. The absence showed that political disagreement remained present even as the president appealed for collaboration on the country’s central democratic questions.
Sylhet’s Heritage and Economic Role
Mirza Fakhrul spoke warmly of Sylhet, describing the district as personally important to him and praising its tradition of communal harmony. He said the warmth and support shown by Sylhet residents during difficult periods remained memorable to him.
“Sylhet is a very dear place to me. Whenever I get the opportunity, I come here. Every time I have visited Sylhet, I have received your warm hospitality. You stood beside us even during our worst times.”
He said he had stood with the people of Sylhet in the past and would continue to do so. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that people from the region would play a leading role in the country’s future.
The president also drew attention to Sylhet’s religious, cultural and historical legacy. He mentioned Hazrat Shahjalal (RA), Hazrat Shah Paran (RA), Sri Chaitanya Dev, Hason Raja, Radharaman Dutta, Shitalang Shah, Shah Abdul Karim and Hemanga Biswas, figures associated with the region’s spiritual, literary and cultural identity.
He additionally recalled major political and national personalities from Sylhet, including MAG Osmani, Saifur Rahman, MA Khan and Elias Ali. His references connected the region’s contemporary civic role with its long record of influence in Bangladesh’s cultural and political life.
Sylhet’s tea gardens were also highlighted, along with the contribution of expatriates from the region to the national economy. The president described Sylhet residents as peace-loving people who nevertheless stand against injustice when necessary. He encouraged Bangladeshi expatriates to invest in the country, saying opportunities exist for investment and industrial growth.
For families with close ties to Sylhet’s overseas communities, the appeal carries practical significance. Investment by expatriates can link local knowledge, business experience and international connections with domestic economic activity. The president’s message framed such participation as part of a wider effort to strengthen Bangladesh through productive enterprise and national self-reliance.
First presidential visit to Sylhet
The president arrived in Sylhet from Dhaka in the morning on a US-Bangla Airlines flight, landing at Sylhet Osmani International Airport. During the visit, he went to the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA). His wife accompanied him.
The trip was his first visit to Sylhet after assuming the presidency. Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and Whip GK Gouse were among those who addressed the civic reception.
By combining calls for democratic cooperation with praise for Sylhet’s heritage, expatriate community and economic potential, the president’s visit presented the region as both a symbol of social harmony and a participant in Bangladesh’s future development. His central appeal remained clear: the country must use the present opening to protect democracy, strengthen its institutions and build a more prosperous future.
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