President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that protecting democracy is now the country’s biggest task and responsibility. He made the remarks on Tuesday (September 15) while speaking as the guest of honor at a civic reception held at the Sylhet City Corporation premises in the afternoon.

“Through an election, a government has been formed here under the leadership of our leader, Mr Tarique Rahman. This government is trying to revive the country as quickly as possible from the ruins and devastation it has suffered,” he said.

He said, “I often used to tell you that those of us who work for democracy in Bangladesh are somewhat like the phoenix. It is destroyed, but from those ruins, an effort is made to rise again and move forward.”

“There may be disagreements on other issues. But those disagreements can be resolved through dialogue and discussion,” he added.

The President said, “I believe that in the coming days, just as we fought for democracy in the past, our struggle ahead is to rebuild our country, strengthen democracy and create a truly livable home for our future generations. We must always keep these issues in mind.

“We have stumbled repeatedly. The people of this country have struggled for democracy time and again, but they have repeatedly faced obstacles. Today, that opportunity has come. We must never lose this opportunity through negligence. We must always remember this.”

Referring to various problems in Sylhet, he said, “You have mentioned some of the problems facing Sylhet. I believe your ministers and members are capable enough. They have been raising these issues, and work has already begun. You heard from the minister that a number of major projects have already moved forward. InshaAllah, these projects will progress, and through them, the long-standing aspirations of the people of Sylhet will certainly be fulfilled.”