BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has said that strengthening democratic institutions is now the most important task for securing Bangladesh’s future democracy.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion organised by Citizens Forum Bangladesh at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on Wednesday, he said the country has returned to a democratic process and must now prioritise institution-building to ensure long-term stability.
He compared the situation with countries such as the United States, where strong institutions developed over centuries have helped preserve democratic continuity despite political challenges.
Moyeen Khan said the current parliament carries a significant responsibility to establish durable democratic structures that can protect the country’s political future. He expressed hope that if such institutions are strengthened, the present parliament would be remembered as an important milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.
He also noted that the space for public expression has expanded, with people now able to freely share opinions through traditional media, social media platforms and public forums.
The BNP leader added that the current parliament was formed through sacrifice and should work in the interest of citizens. He said that if parliament functions with balance and responsibility, it could help set a democratic example for the future.
Referring to the post-5 August 2024 political transition, he described the period up to 12 February as one influenced by a “doctrine of necessity”.
Keynote speaker at the discussion Professor Borhan Uddin Khan said the Parliament should act as a guiding force for a “New Bangladesh”, while emphasising the importance of tolerance, dialogue and rational debate in politics.
Other speakers highlighted the need for education reform, responsive governance and a healthy parliamentary culture based on consensus-building and democratic practice.
