BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said his party would seek Bangladesh’s rightful share of water from India through dialogue and mutual respect if it comes to power.
Speaking to reporters in Thakurgaon town on Monday, Fakhrul said a BNP-led government would prioritise negotiations over shared rivers, including the Teesta and the Padma, as part of its approach to bilateral relations with India.
“If BNP forms the government, we will engage with India on issues related to the Teesta, Padma and other common rivers and work to secure Bangladesh’s rightful share of water,” he said, responding to a question about the party’s stance on relations with New Delhi.
Asked about what he described as India’s current unfriendly posture, Fakhrul said effective diplomatic engagement could help address differences and improve relations between the two countries.
Turning to domestic issues, the BNP leader criticised the government over law and order, saying efforts to recover illegal arms and ammunition had fallen short.
“I do not think the law and order situation has improved significantly so far,” he said, adding that he remained hopeful conditions would improve during the election period.
Commenting on recent developments involving cricket, Fakhrul said the issue had political implications and was linked to national dignity. He said the reported treatment of a Bangladeshi cricketer amounted to an insult to the country.
He said the BNP agreed with the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s decision on the matter, while stressing that such disputes should ultimately be addressed through dialogue.
Asked whether the BNP was seeking to attract voters from other political parties, including the Awami League, Fakhrul said the BNP remained a self-reliant party with a strong political legacy.
He cited the restoration of multi-party democracy, the transition from a presidential to a parliamentary system, and reforms related to press freedom and judicial independence as key achievements under BNP governments, adding that these principles are reflected in the party’s 31-point reform agenda.
On the election environment, Fakhrul said it was too early to fully assess the situation, noting that a clearer picture would emerge once campaigning officially begins.
Responding to a question about the potential return of authoritarianism, he said the BNP was not fearful and had the experience to resist repression.
BNP district secretary Paygam Ali and other party leaders were present during the interaction.
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