Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has strongly reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to ensuring economic stability, strengthening democratic governance, and prioritising the welfare of ordinary citizens, including farmers and workers.
Addressing the “Fourth Bangladesh Economic Conference 2025: Future Economic Roadmap and Political Commitment,” organised by the Daily Bonik Barta at a hotel in the capital today, Mirza Fakhrul articulated the BNP’s economic vision, which places the common people at its core.
Vision for an Open and Prosperous Economy
Describing the BNP as a responsible political party founded by Ziaur Rahman on the principles of hard work, discipline, and economic openness, Mirza Fakhrul highlighted the party’s foundational economic contributions.
- He credited Ziaur Rahman with transforming the country from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy and shifting the economy from a closed model to an open one.
- The BNP Secretary General stated that Ziaur Rahman’s efforts remain the most significant in shaping the modern economic base of Bangladesh.
- He also praised BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury for presenting a clear economic roadmap during the session, which focused on the country’s economic challenges and the BNP’s proposed reforms.
Mirza Fakhrul asserted that the party’s history in governance demonstrates a clear emphasis on economic progress. “Whenever BNP was in power, no one could accuse us of destroying the economy. Rather, we kept the economy alive and moving. Bangladesh was even referred to as an emerging tiger,” he noted.
Prioritising People, Trust, and Employment
Reiterating the BNP’s core philosophy, Mirza Fakhrul stressed that the welfare of ordinary people is central to the party’s economic vision.
“We want farmers to live well, we want their problems solved, and we want workers to receive fair wages. Ensuring macroeconomic stability is essential for national well-being,” he stated.
He also called for a change in mindset regarding the treatment of businesspeople, emphasising the need for trust and confidence from the state to foster development.
Significantly, Mirza Fakhrul raised concerns about the economic fallout of closing down industries whose owners face financial crime allegations. He urged careful consideration to protect jobs, saying, “Those who looted the country must face justice. But, their factories employ thousands. When such industries are abruptly closed, unemployment rises sharply… We must think carefully and protect employment.”
Key Areas for Reform
Mirza Fakhrul also acknowledged Bangladesh’s remarkable achievement in food production, noting that the nation is now almost self-sufficient, a feat largely attributable to farmers and agricultural scientists.
He then stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in healthcare and education. “We must overhaul the education system to make it appropriate for the development needs of our people,” he urged, adding that the health sector also requires major improvements to build a prosperous nation.
The Secretary General concluded by highlighting the party’s long-standing commitment to reform, referencing the reform ideas presented under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership in 2016 and the 31-point framework of 2023. He stressed that economic reforms must be accompanied by political reforms to ensure stability and continuity.
“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 democracy receives the highest priority,” Mirza Fakhrul concluded.
