DHAKA: BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, in a message on the occasion of Human Rights Day, claimed that human rights situation in Bangladesh have fallen below zero.

In the message, the BNP chief said that the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed 10th December as Human Rights Day in 1950. The date has since been being marked as Human Rights Day worldwide, she added.

She expressed empathy to the oppressed people who were deprived of basic rights across the world.

The former prime minister also showed profound respect to them who sacrificed their lives to ensure basic rights including freedom of speech while protesting ruling autocratic governments.

Besides, many people across the world including Bangladesh are being tortured and killed in racial, communal and ethnic conflicts, she added.

The human rights, however, in many countries are being violated by their autocratic rulers ignoring the UN declaration, she added.

Khaleda Zia also claimed that since Bangladesh is now facing a severe political crisis, the human rights and democracy have been abolished here.

People have lost their rights to lead safe and secure life, Khaleda said.

She also said that this year’s slogan, Human Rights 365, encompasses the idea that every day is Human Rights Day. However, it seems that every day is the day of despoilment.

She finally urged everyone to be united against the ruling government aimed at establishing democracy and human rights in the country.

BDST: 1240 HRS, DEC 10, 2014