BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday called for a pluralistic political system and restoration of democracy in the country in line with the aspirations of the martyred intellectuals who were killed ahead of the country's independence in 1971.

In a statement on the eve of Martyred Intellectuals' Day, Tarique said, "On this day, we pay solemn tribute to the memories of the country's greatest sons who were martyred for standing up for freedom and justice."

He said the local collaborators of the invading army carried out the massacre to make independent Bangladesh meritless.

He lamented, saying that the country had veered away from its democratic aspirations post-independence.

"Just after victory, the undemocratic forces removed their masks and started undermining the universal democratic rights of the people one after another, as did the Pakistani occupation forces.

He said the undemocratic moves weakened the independence and sovereignty of the newly born country, which the people got in exchange for "a river of blood".

Tarique said following that tradition, the Awami fascists in the last 15 years sent democracy into exile and dashed the hope of a united nation by extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and sowing divisions among the people.

"Instead of fostering democratic development and transforming the country into a prosperous, self-reliant, and strong state, a system of one-party misrule was established," he said.

He urged all to unite and "practice real democracy" in the changed political situation after the ouster of the Awami League government.

"We have to restore the rule of law, establish an independent judiciary, and a pluralistic political system," he said, urging all to take inspiration from the martyred intellectuals.

"I call upon the countrymen -- let's work together to build a Bangladesh in line with the expectations of the martyred intellectuals," he added.