Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Tuesday strongly denounced the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements signed with India during the Prime Minister’s recent visit, terming them “against the country’s interests.
“The party announced plans for a movement in protest against these agreements, emphasising their commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence.” Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the BNP, stated.
The leader also said, “BNP rejects these agreements as they jeopardise Bangladesh’s interests. Our party was founded to protect the sovereignty of our country. We will take all necessary measures to uphold our independence.”
He further announced that details of their protest plans would be revealed at a press conference scheduled for June 28. Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul clarified that their movement was not directed against India but rather against the Bangladesh government’s policies. He expressed concern over the agreements, asserting that they could potentially undermine the nation’s sovereignty.
“The government has failed to negotiate effectively with India, especially on issues like water sharing in transboundary rivers,” Fakhrul criticized. He highlighted the government’s focus on initiating projects like the Teesta project instead of prioritising the urgent need for Teesta river water.
Questioning the benefits of the agreements, Fakhrul pointed out, “How will Bangladesh benefit from these corridors? It seems India will gain the most. Any connectivity should serve our interests, not compromise them.”
Fakhrul also criticised the government’s silence on critical issues such as water sharing and border killings, accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of fostering a foreign policy that makes Bangladesh overly dependent on India.
Regarding Khaleda Zia’s health, Fakhrul informed her that her condition remained stable after the installation of a pacemaker. He expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s refusal to permit her treatment abroad, despite arrangements made by her family.
“The imprisonment of Khaleda Zia is politically motivated, aimed at eliminating her from politics,” Fakhrul alleged. He asserted that the charges against her were false and that the government’s actions against her were unconstitutional and unlawful, as perceived by their party’s standing committee members.
Fakhrul said the BNP standing committee also observed that the illegitimate government is systematically preventing Khaleda from receiving advanced medical treatment to kill her and consolidate its power.
At least three people have been reportedly injured in multiple crude bomb explosions in front of the BNP head office in the capital’s Nayapaltan this afternoon (June 25)), BNP officials said.
However, police have said there have been no casualties.
At least three crude bombs have exploded in front of the BNP office, Paltan Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (investigation) Sentu Mia told the media.
“No casualties have been reported so far,” he added.
Meanwhile, BNP’s Central Executive Committee member (attached to the office), Tariqul Alam, said at least four crude bombs exploded around 5:00 p.m., injuring at least three pedestrians.
“A group of miscreants on a few motorcycles came from the opposite side of the BNP office and threw a few cocktails in succession, targeting the party office. Cocktails explode in front of the office library. Three pedestrians were injured. They were taken to a local hospital,” he said.
Additional police have been deployed in the area following the explosions.