DHAKA: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia commented that democracy has been hampered several times in the country after the independence.

People of all walks of life fought during the liberation war with the dream of a democratic country which will be free from exploitation and deprivation, she added.

According to her, every time people restored the democracy through struggles.

She came up with the assertions in her message through a press release on Monday on the eve of Victory Day.

Khaleda Zia greeted people on the occasion of the 44th Victory Day and prayed for their continued happiness, peace, prosperity and welfare.

She recalled the memories of the martyrs and the freedom fighters with a great gratitude and respect as they sacrificed their lives for the sake of the independence of Bangladesh.

Khaleda claimed that the freedom fighters participated in the liberation war and freed the country following the announcement of Ziaur Rahman.

“Conspiracies by the enemies are on against our beloved motherland though it had been freed from the enemies in 1971,” she said.

The BNP chief further said that there are still conspiracies against the country, its independence and sovereignty.

The conspirators are trying to ruin the freedom of the country, she added.

The former premier termed the election of January 5 as one-sided and partial. The occupying forces are now killing people, she added.

Currently, the country is facing terrible anarchy, she claimed.

However, on December 16 in 1971, Bangladesh, a new nation was emerged in the world history as the armed forces of Pakistan surrendered after a nine-month armed struggle.

BDST: 1439 HRS, DEC 15, 2014