Dhaka, May 30 -- In a solemn yet defiant tone, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday painted a stark picture of Bangladesh's democratic trajectory, declaring that the country's "uninterrupted journey of democracy continues to face obstacles at every step."

Her remarks came during a brief virtual address to commemorate the 44th death anniversary of her husband and BNP founder, Ziaur Rahman - a former president whose legacy still sharply divides Bangladesh's political landscape.

The three-minute speech, delivered from her residence in Dhaka, was a pointed reminder of the party's grievances against the ruling establishment and an emotional reflection on a painful chapter in the nation's history.

"In the fight t...