Yunus-Modi talks to benefit both countries: Fakhrul
Staff Reporter :
BNP expressed its optimisms saying the bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will yield positive results for both Bangladesh and Indian people.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and the party’s Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas uttered such remarks while talking with journalists on Friday separately.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed the hope that “This will undoubtedly be beneficial for the people of both nations,” he said while responding to a question from reporters at BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Friday evening.
The first bilateral discussion between Prof. Yunus and Modi took place on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok on Friday morning.
The BNP secretary general remarked that the meeting has sparked optimism in bilateral relations.
Acknowledging the tensions that had emerged between Bangladesh and India, he noted, “This meeting has opened up the possibility of preventing further deterioration or even easing the existing tensions.”
Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has emphasized the significance of the first bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok.
“This meeting holds immense significance. It was absolutely necessary,” he said while addressing reporters at his Shahjahanpur residence on Friday afternoon.
He mentioned that the Bangladesh government actively pursued this meeting. “At this moment, such a discussion was imperative,” he added.
He asserted that ensuring Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh is a pressing demand of both the people and the time. “If the discussion solely revolved around Sheikh Hasina’s return, I would like to add that those supporting her in destabilizing the country should also be sent back with her,” he commented.
“India should take immediate steps to return Sheikh Hasina so she can face trial, as it is crucial to hold a fascist accountable. This is not just vital for Bangladesh but for the entire world. No dictator should escape justice,” he declared.
Regarding the Teesta issue, he stressed the necessity of ensuring a fair distribution of Teesta River water for Bangladesh. He also highlighted the need for Bangladesh to construct the Teesta dam. “On the matters of Teesta and Farakka, Bangladesh will not make any concessions,” he asserted.
Mirza Abbas further emphasized the importance of revoking the unequal agreements previously signed with India by the Awami League government. Agreements that remain unimplemented should also be annulled, he insisted.
Touching upon elections and reforms, he dismissed claims that BNP reacts unfavorably to discussions on reform. “I strongly object to such statements. BNP has never opposed reforms; rather, we have always supported them. Simultaneously, BNP firmly upholds the necessity of elections,” he said.
He added that both reforms and elections are essential. However, BNP does not endorse reforms that compromise the interests and rights of the people.