Bangladesh on Saturday observed Fall of Autocracy Day, commemorating the mass pro-democracy uprising that forced military ruler HM Ershad to resign on December 6, 1990, ending nearly nine years of authoritarian rule.
Ershad, then army chief, seized power in a bloodless coup in 1982 and installed himself as president the following year. His regime faced growing resistance throughout the late 1980s, culminating in a nationwide movement led by students, opposition parties and civil society groups.
The anti-Ershad protests claimed several lives, including those of Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milan and Noor Hossain, both of whom became enduring symbols of the struggle for democracy.
Political parties and socio-cultural organisations marked the day with rallies, discussions and commemorative events across the country.
Following his ouster, Ershad was jailed on corruption charges but remained politically influential, winning parliamentary seats from behind bars in both 1991 and 1996. He was released in 1997 and continued to play a prominent role in national politics for decades.
Source: UNB
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
