Dhaka: BNP on Saturday demanded the removal of deposed autocratic ruler HM Ershad from the post of Prime Minister’s special envoy showing respect for those embraced martyrdom during the anti-autocracy movement.

‘Nazir Uddin Jihad lost his life on this day (Oct 10) during a movement to oust autocratic ruler Ershad. It’s a matter of regret that Ershad, against whom people had carried out anti-autocracy movement and got killed, is now the current Prime Minister’s special envoy. It’s a shame for the nation,’ said BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon.

Addressing a press briefing at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he further said, ‘On this day, we’re showing respect for the memories of Jihad and others who sacrificed their lives for restoring democracy and ensuring the fall of Ershad. At the same time, we condemn that a deposed autocratic ruler is still holding the portfolio of the Prime Minister’s special envoy.’

Ripon said their party thinks the government by making Ershad the Prime Minister’s special envoy has betrayed with the blood of those sacrificed their lives and carried out anti-autocracy movement.

He also alleged that the sacrifices of those embraced martyrdom joined movement for restoring democracy have been dishonoured by the current regime through sharing power with Ershad and allowing him to use the national flag.

‘We hope the government upholding the hopes and aspirations of the democracy-loving people will remove deposed autocratic ruler Ershad from the post of Prime Minister’s special envoy. Or else, the souls of our martyrs will suffer from pains.’

Jihad, a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activist of Ullapara upazila in Sirajganj, was shot to death in the capital on 10 October 1990 as he joined a grand rally at Paltan in the capital organised by the then BNP-led seven-party alliance to call for ending HM Ershad's autocratic regime.

BNP today (Saturday) observed Shaheed Jihad Day marking the 25th anniversary of his martyrdom.

Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies placed wreaths at the Jihad memorial mausoleum at Dainik Bangla crossing in the morning.