Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday criticised India’s foreign relations, stating that the country does not maintain good relations with its neighbouring countries.
He expressed concern about India’s “dominance politics” in the region, emphasising that such an approach is detrimental both to India and its neighbours.
“India continually adopts ‘dominance politics’ with its neighbouring countries, which is harmful for everyone involved,” Fakhrul said. He noted that India’s strained relationships extend beyond Bangladesh to other neighbouring countries, attributing the issue to India’s hegemonic attitude.
“India understands the reasons behind its own political behaviour towards its neighbours, but from our perspective, it stems from this dominance-driven approach,” the BNP leader remarked.
Mirza Fakhrul stressed the importance of mutual understanding and equality in international relations. “We believe that relations among countries must be built on mutual respect, dignity, and shared interests,” he added, highlighting that this is particularly true for the ties between India and Bangladesh.
The BNP Secretary General made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the grave of BNP founder, the late President Ziaur Rahman. His comments came in response to recent statements by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who had urged India’s armed forces to remain prepared for war.
According to reports from Indian media, Rajnath Singh emphasised that India’s military readiness was key to maintaining peace. In response, Mirza Fakhrul questioned the impact of such rhetoric on India’s relationships with its neighbours.
Accompanied by leaders and activists from Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, Fakhrul visited Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to pay homage,
marking the 46th founding anniversary of the BNP’s female wing. The group offered a special munajat (prayer) seeking salvation for the late president’s soul.
Prominent BNP members, including Standing Committee members Selima Rahman and Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, as well as Mohila Dal leaders Afroza Abbas, Sultana Ahmed, and Helen Zerin Khan, were present at the event.
Fakhrul further highlighted the historical role of the BNP and its female wing, recalling the student-led mass uprising that, according to him, freed the country from the fascist rule of the Awami regime after 16 years. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of women and students during this period, stating that they played a pivotal role in restoring democracy.
He reaffirmed the BNP’s commitment to continue fighting for democracy, the rule of law, and the rights of the people, expressing hope that the interim government would soon hand over power to the people through free and fair elections.
In response to a query about his meetings with the Chief Advisor of the interim government, Fakhrul revealed that he had met the advisor twice, urging him to present state reform proposals to the public and set a timeline for the next national election.