Dhaka, Aug. 20 -- BNP Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, on Tuesday stressed the importance of politically empowering citizens, saying that direct voting rights strengthen both the people and the political system.

"A state and government can never be truly strong without a politically empowered population," he said while virtually addressing an event in Dhaka marking the 45th founding anniversary of Swechasebak Dal.

Referring to recent debates over election timing, he called for greater unity among all pro-democracy parties. Tarique warned that internal divisions would only open the door for fascist forces to re-emerge in politics and governance.

He also emphasized that elections are the central mechanism for protecting citizens' rights....