BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has underlined the party’s commitment to maintaining economic stability, promoting democratic government, and protecting the well-being of common individuals, including farmers and workers in the country.
He described the BNP as a responsible political party founded by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman on the ideals of hard labour, discipline, and economic openness, adding that “Ziaur Rahman transformed Bangladesh from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy.”
The BNP Secretary General stated, “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman transformed the economy from a closed to an open model. “His contributions remain the most significant in shaping Bangladesh’s modern economic base,” he said.
Fakhrul made these views during a session of the “Fourth Bangladesh Economic Conference 2025: Future Economic Roadmap and Political Commitment” held on Saturday at a hotel in the capital. The event was organised by Daily Bonik Barta.
Mirza Fakhrul also lauded BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury for giving a clear economic vision for the party during the session, which focused on Bangladesh’s economic issues and the BNP’s proposed changes.
The BNP Secretary General stated that the party’s governing record has always prioritised economic prosperity. “When the BNP was in office, no one could accuse us of ruining the economy.
Instead, we kept the economy alive and going. Bangladesh was even referred to as an emerging tiger,” he explained.
Mirza Fakhrul emphasised that the wellbeing of common people is at the heart of the BNP’s economic strategy.
“We want farmers to be able to live well, to have their difficulties rectified, and to be paid fairly. He emphasised the need of maintaining macroeconomic stability for national well-being.
He urged a shift in the country’s thinking towards how businesspeople are treated. Referring to his observations from the debate, he stated, “Trust is crucial.
If we do not trust our entrepreneurs, how can they contribute to development? Businesses develop when the state approaches them with confidence rather than suspicion.
Fakhrul also expressed concern about the consequences of closing down industries whose owners are accused of financial crimes.
“Those who robbed the nation must face justice. However, their factories employ thousands. When industries are abruptly closed, unemployment increases dramatically... “We must think carefully and protect employment,” he emphasised.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s agricultural accomplishments, Mirza Fakhrul stated that the country has achieved amazing self-sufficiency in food production, adding that when Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, it had a population of 75 million and a food shortage of 2.8 million tonnes.
“Now we are nearly self-sufficient. This is the accomplishment of our farmers, agricultural scientists, and all those involved in the industry,” he stated.
He emphasised the critical need for improvements in healthcare and education. “We must restructure the school system to ensure that it meets the developmental needs of our people.
The healthcare system also requires significant upgrades. “These areas are critical for building a prosperous nation,” he added.
Mirza Fakhrul stated that the BNP has long proposed political and economic reforms. “In 2016, under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership, we proposed several of the reform suggestions that are currently being discussed.
In 2023, our 31-point plan articulated political, economic, and governance reforms; the majority of today’s talks reflect what we advocated years ago,” he remarked.
He emphasised the importance of developing both economic and political roadmaps for Bangladesh’s future. “Economic improvements alone will not suffice.
Political reforms must also promote stability and continuity. We’ve already started working in that direction,” he explained.
Fakhrul reaffirmed the BNP’s goals: “We want to build not only a new Bangladesh but also a prosperous one where every citizen enjoys a better quality of life, where governance is strong, and where Saturday democracy receives the highest priority.”
Mirza Fakhrul stated, “Our experience and commitment will guide us as we work to transform Bangladesh into a truly democratic and prosperous nation.”
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