Dhaka: BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced today that the party intends to work on enhancing the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and the UK. “The relationship between Bangladesh and the UK is a long-standing one. In the future, we want to make this relationship more effective, enhance the connection between the two countries, and work on various issues, including trade, commerce, investment, and culture,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khasru made these remarks after a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. The meeting, led by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also included BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP Joint Secretary General (International Affairs) Humayun Kabir, and Organizing Secretary Shama Obaed.
Discussing the National Consensus Commission’s proposal for a referendum before the general election as part of implementing the July National Charter, Khasru clarified, “This proposal might be the Commission’s, but the BNP does not agree. We have clearly stated our position: the referendum and the election will take place on the same day, using two separate ballots.” He emphasized that there is no room for further discussion on this issue, reinforcing that this has been and will remain the BNP’s stance.
Khasru also addressed the upcoming election, noting that discussions naturally included the Election Commission’s (EC) preparations, the BNP’s own readiness, and the broader topic of ensuring a neutral and acceptable election. He stated, “The issue of the caretaker government has been discussed for more than a decade. Elections in Bangladesh are not acceptable without a caretaker government. Although there is an interim government today, it is not a partisan government. However, some people within this interim government have been questioned-not only by the BNP but also by other political parties.”
When queried about the return of BNP’s acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Khasru acknowledged that the topic was discussed. However, he noted that the specifics of Rahman’s return are up to him to decide and announce. “It is clear that he (Tarique Rahman) will return to the country at the right time, very soon. The specific date will be announced by him,” Khasru concluded.