Mongla, Nov 13 (V7N) — Speakers at a human chain and rally in Mongla upazila have called for the full implementation of the National Charter for Democratic Transformation proposed by the civic organization SUJAN – Citizens for Good Governance, saying it is essential to building a democratic, humane, and non-communal state.

The event, organized Wednesday morning at Kanainagar intersection by the SUJAN Mongla Upazila Committee, marked the group’s 23rd founding anniversary. Participants demanded the restoration of a non-partisan caretaker government to oversee national elections and called for an independent and empowered Election Commission with the authority to postpone, cancel, or re-run elections when necessary.

Presiding over the rally, SUJAN Mongla Upazila President Md. Nur Alam Sheikh said the scope of fundamental rights should be expanded to include access to food, education, healthcare, housing, internet service, and the right to vote. He emphasized that ending authoritarian rule and reforming political culture are vital to achieving a truly democratic society. “Political parties must elect their leadership through secret ballots and refrain from giving any positions to individuals involved in terrorism or extortion,” he stated.

Nur Alam Sheikh also urged the state to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and ensure equality for all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or social status. He added that effective measures must be taken to eliminate communalism and religious extremism and to foster peaceful coexistence among people of diverse beliefs.

Among others who spoke at the event were civic leaders Abdur Rashid Howlader, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Asima Sarkar, Nazrul Shikdar, Mehedi Hasan, Brishti Sarkar, and Mitali Mondol.

Founded on November 12, 2002, as Citizens for Fair Election, SUJAN adopted its current name — Citizens for Good Governance — in 2003 and has since worked to promote transparency, accountability, and democratic reforms in Bangladesh.

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