Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday welcomed Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Yunus’s cal for preparation over next general election by December.
The BNP leader also emphasied strengthening national unity. He said, Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Yunus’s directives on national polls preparation including law and order provisions created hopes among the common people over holding free and fair election.
He has expressed deep concern over the proposed 35pc tariff by the United States on Bangladeshi exports, warning that such a development could cripple the country’s export-dependent economy.
Speaking at a discussion held at the National Press Club on Thursday, Mirza Fakhrul said, “I’m not sure how seriously the interim government is taking the US additional tariff issue.
They should have engaged more proactively with the United States, involving experienced and qualified individuals. He said, “it’s still not too late. The government must act now to safeguard our industries and protect jobs.”
Highlighting the critical role of the ready-made garment (RMG) sector in the national economy, Mirza Fakhrul cautioned, “If a 35pc tariff is imposed on our RMG products, the entire industry could collapse. Such a blow would be irreparable-the backbone of our economy would be broken.”
Underlining the national unity issue, the BNP leader said, “National unity is important to protect democratic rights. Not division, what is most urgent at this moment is to build national unity – from which an inclusive, participatory, and transparent political environment will emerge.”
Turning to regional issues, Mirza Fakhrul also raised concerns over frequent border killings and push-in incidents involving India. “These are not isolated or minor issues-they’re happening almost daily. The media should give more attention to this so that public awareness can grow,” he said.
He urged the government to adopt a firm stance in its diplomatic engagements with India and take decisive action on both border security and the equitable distribution of water from trans boundary rivers.
BNP Secretary General also welcomed the recent suggestions from Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to the Election Commission, urging the completion of all election-related preparations by December.”
I thank CA Yunus for this initiative. It’s a positive development. We hope the Election Commission will act swiftly to create an environment conducive to a free, fair, and acceptable election,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul expressed strong optimism about the election being held on schedule. “Why shouldn’t the election be held? The people want it-they’ve made sacrifices for it. They want a parliament composed of elected representatives,” he added.
Mirza Fakhrul strongly rejected claims from certain quarters that the BNP opposes reforms. “Reform is part of our political DNA. We came into existence through reform. Accusing BNP of blocking reforms is a complete distortion of reality,” he asserted.
He further stated that it is ultimately up to the people to determine the course of reforms, not solely the interim government. “We should not place every expectation on the interim authority.”
Addressing questions about the July Charter, Fakhrul clarified that BNP had already reviewed the document and provided its formal response after receiving the draft on 9 July. “We have given our opinion-so where is the issue?” he asked.
The discussion was organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ).
