Free, fair polls, space for opposition essential for democracy: President

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said democracy is a culture that is built gradually through regular practice, stressing the need for free, fair and impartial elections as well as adequate space for the opposition and political rivals to make democracy effective.

“Democracy is a culture that develops step by step through regular practice. Free, fair and impartial elections are essential for this,” he said.

The President made the remarks when a delegation led by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.

President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting.

The President also stressed the need to provide adequate space to the opposition and political rivals to make democracy effective.

“That is the beauty of democracy. Democracy must be allowed to function effectively in its own course,” he said.

Referring to Dhaka University, Mirza Fakhrul said the country's premier university is not only a leading centre of education but also a focal point of Bangladesh's politics, history, heritage and culture.

He called for further improving the quality of education at the university and taking it to the level of the world's leading universities.

During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on his election as President and briefed him on the university's overall academic activities.

VC Obaidul Islam invited the President, in his capacity as Chancellor of Dhaka University, to attend the university's upcoming 54th convocation.

The President accepted the invitation and assured the delegation that he would attend the convocation.

The President's Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary, and Dhaka University's Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Treasurer were present at the meeting. -UNB