I stand in solidarity with South Korea’s brave people: Tarique Rahman

Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has voiced strong support for the people of South Korea as they continue their pro-democracy struggle. In a statement released on his verified Facebook profile on Saturday midnight (Bangladesh time), Tarique Rahman drew parallels between South Korea’s fight for democratic governance and Bangladesh’s decade-long battle against what he described as a "repressive regime."

The pro-democracy struggle in South Korea, which has captured international attention, serves as a poignant reminder of the shared challenges and hopes of democracy advocates worldwide.

Acknowledging the shared experience of confronting political oppression in Bangladesh, BNP’s acting chairman written that he has stood in solidarity with the courageous people of South Korea as they continue their stand for democracy, He’s also mentioned that, in Bangladesh, we have endured a repressive regime for over a decade, and so we deeply understand the pain, resilience, and resolve it takes to confront oppression.

In the statement, Tarique Rahman has also criticized the misuse of democratic mechanisms by elected governments, calling it a challenge faced by both nations. “Both our nations know the dangers of elected governments exploiting democratic loopholes for their own purposes,” he said.

However, the Acting Chairman has also emphasized the resilience of ordinary citizens, stating that the successes of pro-democracy movements in both countries underscore the unyielding power of a determined populace.

Tarique Rahman has also criticized the misuse of democratic mechanisms by elected governments, calling it a challenge faced by both nations. “Both our nations know the dangers of elected governments exploiting democratic loopholes for their own purposes,” he said. However, he emphasized the resilience of ordinary citizens, stating that the successes of pro-democracy movements in both countries underscore the unyielding power of a determined populace.

The statement also reads out that Tarique Rahman has urged political leaders and citizens to remain vigilant to prevent future threats to democracy. “By building strong democratic institutions, we can protect the rights of our people and secure a just and free society,” he said in the statement. “ We strive for justice, freedom and lasting democracy, ” Tarique Rahman added.

It is mentionable, the BNP leader’s comments come at a time of heightened political tension in Bangladesh, where many of the political parties, including the BNP, have accused the ousted Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina of stifling dissent and undermining democratic norms. Tarique Rahman, who has been living in exile in London since 2008, remains a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s political parties.

Tarique Rahman’s message also signals a broader call for international solidarity among nations striving to preserve democratic principles. With hashtags like #Democracy, #Bangladesh, and #SouthKorea, his statement has sparked discussion on the interconnectedness of global democratic movements.

 The pro-democracy struggle in South Korea, which has captured international attention, serves as a poignant reminder of the shared challenges and hopes of democracy advocates worldwide.

MR//