DHAKA: Citing a recent study conducted by a German research body that has placed Bangladesh among the countries having declining democracy, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that he is feeling ashamed of the demeaning record.   

“I’m feeling ashamed as a Bangalee. The government has taken the country to this stage,” he said.

“We have been saying since ago about it which is now recognized by the world. The research has reflected our observation,” he added.

Fakhrul was briefing the media after addressing a joint meeting marking the Independence Day, at BNP central party office in Nayapaltan Saturday (March 24). 

However, the study conducted by Germany-based think tank Bertelsmann Stiftung recognizes five countries-- Bangladesh, Lebanon, Mozambique, Nicaragua and Uganda-- as no longer having minimum standards of democracy.

The survey analyzed 129 countries and classified 71 countries as democracies and 58 as autocracies.

Several local media outlets have published reports following a BBC online report covering the study.  

“We, who have achieved independence by fighting for democracy, are now feeling immensely ashamed by the research. And we are expressing condemnation regarding this”, added Fakhrul.

BNP standing committee members Moudud Ahmed, Mirza Abbas, Amir Khsru Mahmud Chowdhury were among other present there.

BDST: 1625 HRS, MAR 24, 2018
SI