BNP pledges action on reform agenda
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, on Saturday dismissed claims that the party does not support reforms, describing such assertions as a “completely false campaign” aimed at misleading the public.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking Teliapara Day in Habiganj, Fakhrul said the narrative that BNP opposes reforms was being deliberately spread to create confusion among citizens.
“The statement that BNP does not want reforms is completely false and is intended to confuse the nation. BNP not only supports reforms but is committed to
implementing them,” he told the gathering.
He stressed that reform initiatives would focus on strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring transparency and improving governance, adding that the party remained committed to addressing public expectations through structural changes.
Referring to the country’s historic struggle for independence, Fakhrul said the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War must be preserved and respected.
“Some people are trying to undermine the significance of the Liberation War. I want to make it clear that the Liberation War is our identity, our pride and our existence,” he said.
The BNP leader also referred to the political developments that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, describing the July 2024 mass uprising as a significant moment in the country’s democratic journey.
“The student-people’s movement against the Sheikh Hasina government is another important chapter in our history. We recognise and embrace the July movement and uprising,” he said.
Highlighting internal discipline and accountability within the party, Fakhrul cited remarks by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying the party would not tolerate corruption or unethical conduct among its members.
“The Prime Minister has made it clear that integrity must come first. There will be no place for corrupt or unethical individuals in BNP,” he said, reiterating the party’s commitment to clean governance as part of its reform agenda.
He also urged local Members of Parliament to take immediate and effective steps to improve the living standards of tea garden workers in Habiganj, noting that many workers remain economically marginalised despite their contributions to the regional economy.
Special guests at the event included Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain, National Parliament Whip G K Gaus and International Crimes Tribunal prosecutor Aminul Islam.
Local lawmakers, administrative officials, freedom fighters, political leaders and representatives from various professions also attended the programme.
Speakers at the event highlighted the historical importance of Teliapara Tea Garden during the 1971 Liberation War, noting that it served as a key strategic location where freedom fighters formulated one of the earliest organised military plans for the war.
They said the preliminary decision to divide the country into 11 operational sectors and three brigades to coordinate resistance was taken at this site.
The programme concluded with calls for preserving the historic significance of Teliapara while continuing efforts to strengthen democratic reforms and ensure inclusive development.
