Dhaka: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced on Wednesday night that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is likely to hold its seventh national council within this year, although a specific date has not yet been finalized. “The BNP council will be held within this year. We have not finalised the date yet, but I think it will be held soon,” Fakhrul, also serving as the LGRD Minister, stated while addressing reporters at the BNP Chairman’s office in Gulshan.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Fakhrul expressed that despite the ten-year gap since the last council in 2016, the party remains active, albeit at a reduced scale. He attributed this to the involvement of most senior party members in government roles, asserting that it will take time to reorganize the party. Fakhrul emphasized that no party members have been excluded, and all, including government officials and the public, will be engaged in party activities.
In his first extensive interaction with journalists since joining the cabinet, Fakhrul elaborated on the government’s early achievements, including the initiation of the Family Card pilot project, waiving interest on farmers’ loans, and initiating canal digging projects across the country. He highlighted these initiatives as significant accomplishments within the first month of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration.
Fakhrul acknowledged the global challenges faced by the BNP-led government, particularly the Israel-Iran conflict, and praised the government’s management of the situation, noting no disruption in fuel supply or price increases. He also mentioned the government’s swift actions in preventing wage-related issues in garment factories.
Discussing local government elections, Fakhrul stated that efforts are underway to conduct the elections as soon as possible, potentially within this year. On the economic front, he identified the primary challenge as restoring the economy to a robust state, with measures already being implemented, including policy adjustments and support for small businesses.
Regarding vice-chancellor appointments, Fakhrul defended the merit-based selection process and assured that the best candidates have been chosen. He further asserted that the BNP’s focus is on rebuilding institutions, with appointments in ministries and departments being made based on competence and integrity.
Fakhrul addressed the potential resurgence of the Awami League, advocating for the continuation of politics and democratic processes within Parliament. On media freedom, he affirmed that journalists are free to express and critique, with no interference from the government.
Finally, Fakhrul commented on the recent train derailment in Bogura, assuring that measures have been taken to resolve the incident promptly, aiming to restore normal train services with enhanced safety protocols.