Jatiya Sangsad speaker retired Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram on Saturday said that prolonged boycotts of parliament would undermine democracy, although walkouts remain a legitimate right of the opposition.

He, however, expressed optimism that democracy would not be lost again, adding that no political force would attempt to undermine it in the future.

The speaker was responding to questions from journalists at a views-exchange meeting with leaders of the  Barishal Chamber of Commerce at the Barishal circuit house.

‘I don’t see any possibility of authoritarian rule returning in Bangladesh, as people are now aware and vigilant guardians of democracy,’ he said.

‘Walkouts are part of political practice. We also staged many walkouts when we were in the opposition. However, if parliament is boycotted for a long time, democracy will be affected and people will lose their rights. So, both the ruling and opposition parties should act responsibly,’ he added.

Addressing the opposition, he urged them to refrain from unnecessary walkouts, while also calling on the government to accommodate the opposition and ensure a functional democratic space.

‘Otherwise, those who are now fugitive abroad may return and attempt to re-establish misrule,’ he warned, adding that both sides should ensure that people’s rights are not compromised while pursuing their political agendas.

Reflecting on the country’s political past, he said that Bangladesh had recently returned to democratic governance after a long period.

‘We have lost 17 valuable years from our life. Democratic practices were disrupted. In the absence of democracy, killings, looting, and the laundering of state assets took place,’ he said.

He described the previous 17 years as one of the darkest periods in the country’s history, observing that elections had become mere formalities and people were deprived of their rights.

‘Human rights had disappeared, and darkness had descended on people’s lives. Finally, through the sacrifices of students, guardians, and the general public, democracy has been restored,’ he added.

Earlier in the day, the speaker attended another views-exchange meeting — with high-ranking officials of the district at the circuit house in Bhola.

In Bhola, referring to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, ‘There was no temptation that she did not offer me. Had I accepted those, my position would have been next to her.’

‘I told her that I am 80 years old and have no time for such things. I have never had any thoughts or intentions outside the Zia family. Whenever I believed I was right, I spoke up. She tried many times,’ he added.