DHAKA: The nation is observing Fall of Autocracy Day across the country Saturday marking the fall of military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad, who was stepped down on December 6, 1990,

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages recalling the people’s sacrifice to bring down the autocratic rule.

Political parties and socio-cultural organizations are holding various programs across the country to mark the day in a befitting manner.

On this day of 1990, military dictator Ershad resigned from government in the face of a popular upsurge after his nine-year military rule that began on March 24, 1982.

The premier, in a massage, said: "We spearheaded a long campaign to restore democracy uprooting the autocratic regime to establish the people's fundamental rights and the country's people spontaneously took part in the movement and shed their blood."

"The autocratic ruler was forced to step down in the face of mass upsurge. We are committed to upholding the achievements," she added.

Hasina said that Awami League has being playing pivotal role to protect democracy and people’s voting rights since 1990.

The premier paid homage to those who sacrifice themselves to establish the democracy. "I pay respect to all martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect the democratic rights of the people" she said.

In her message, Khaleda Zia urged the countrymen to stay united in resisting evil powers and giving democracy a permanent shape.

The former autocratic, Ershad, however, is now a lawmaker in the 10th Jatiya Sangsad and a special envoy to the premier.

BDST: 1207 HRS, DEC 06, 2014