BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia denounced the proponents of the 15th Amendment to the constitution as enemies of democracy and the state.
The BNP chief made the remarks in a published statement signed by party Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on the occasion of “Democracy Killing Day” on Sunday.
“The 15th Amendment has paved the way for the prime minister to exercise absolute power. One-party rule has followed. It has plundered freedom of speech, thought and assembly.
“Besides, it has destroyed social stability and cultural pluralism. The 15th Amendment is another black chapter and its pioneers are enemies of the people, the state and democracy,” Khaleda said.
The BNP and its allies observe January 25 as “Democracy Killing Day.”
On January 25, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman established BAKSAL through the 4th Amendment of the constitution, the statement said.
The BNP chairperson said the ruling Awami League-led alliance, inspired by BAKSAL, has buried democracy again. She said the party's nature is to smother democracy and fundamental rights.
“The fear of defeat in free and fair national elections has caused the Awami League to repeal the provision for an interim caretaker government.
“The amendment is a new form of BAKSAL that promotes the prevailing alarming levels of injustice across the country,” Khaleda said.
