The value of protecting democracy can never be greater than the lives or welfare of people, said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.He said this in a post on Facebook on Monday (September 15) on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy.Tarique Rahman said that the power of democracy comes from the people. The choice of the people, their voice and their participation in building society are what make democracy alive. Democracy can develop only if the rights of the participants are protected.‘On the International Day of Democracy, we remember the struggle of every democracy-loving person in Bangladesh and the world—those who have sacrificed their lives, shed blood, and endured state oppression in order to re-establish democracy. The value of protecting democracy can never be greater than the lives or welfare of people.’He further wrote that this year’s main theme ‘From Voice to Action’ is an important guideline for us. We are proud of former President Ziaur Rahman for establishing multi-party democracy and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for introducing parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. BNP has always worked to ensure that the promise of democracy is translated into reality, and that actions are consistent with words.‘Today we stand at another important juncture in Bangladesh’s democracy. When division, disinformation and extremism are attacking our democracy and the rule of law. BNP believes that the participation of all citizens is essential for democracy, whose demands will be reflected in an elected parliament—where justice, peace, development and human rights have a genuine mandate.’The acting chairman of BNP also wrote on Facebook, ‘The democratic aspiration of the nation is an accountable and transparent government—which will be elected by the people and will implement people-centric policies. This aspiration must be fulfilled in February 2026. We have to raise this demand. Let us, as a united nation, move forward together and turn the ideals of true democracy into reality, so that every Bangladeshi can enjoy its benefits. It is not too late.