New york: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today described Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’ speech at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) regarding the upcoming national election as “strong enough,” affirming his party’s belief that the polls will occur in February next year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fakhrul expressed his confidence in the timing of the elections while responding to journalists’ questions at the Grand Hyatt Hotel after attending the 80th session of the UNGA with the Chief Adviser. He praised Professor Yunus’ speech for reflecting both the government’s reform agenda and the nation’s unity. Fakhrul emphasized that the Chief Adviser spoke to the core purposes of the government’s formation, highlighting how their administration took charge amid a political vacuum created by a mass uprising.
Fakhrul noted that within a year, the government had made efforts to stabilize the economy and political landscape, both of which were in a crisis. These accomplishments were evident in Professor Yunus’ address. He further elaborated that Yunus’ speech outlined the government’s initiatives to revive the economy and address demands for political reforms, aligning with BNP’s longstanding proposals for structural and political changes.
He recalled that BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia introduced Vision 2030 in 2016, advocating for reforms, and in 2022, Tarique Rahman announced a 31-point program targeting state structure and economic reforms. Fakhrul pointed out that the necessity for fundamental change stemmed from the situation created by the Awami League, highlighting the importance of altering both the state’s structure and economic framework.
Fakhrul expressed satisfaction with the Chief Adviser’s inclusive approach to governance, noting the significance of incorporating opposition parties into government activities and on the global stage at the United Nations. He described this as a unique and essential effort for Bangladesh, affirming BNP’s full cooperation and support from Tarique Rahman.
Addressing questions about Jamaat-e-Islami’s movement for proportional representation, Fakhrul clarified BNP’s stance against PR in both the lower and upper houses, indicating that such matters would be addressed through future discussions.