BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday demanded that the foreign ministry explains a Washington Post report alleging a secret pact between Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the United States, citing thinker Farhad Mazhar, who called the pact “not good for Bangladesh.”
“We are neither of Delhi nor of Rawalpindi; we are Bangladeshis. We oppose any action that would undermine our country’s sovereignty,” Fakhrul said referring to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s statements while making the remarks.
Fakhrul, the BNP candidate from Thakurgaon-1 under the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, said the general election would be held alongside a referendum on February 12, in which the BNP supports a “Yes” vote. He emphasized that the party’s 31-point program has consistently supported reforms.
He spoke during an election outreach and street meeting at Jatibhanga, one of Thakurgaon’s bonded lands dating to 1971. The event was presided over by local BNP leader Zainal Abedin, with district and local leaders also addressing the gathering.
Recalling the 1971 Liberation War, Fakhrul said: “Here in 1971, a brutal genocide took place, and these bonded lands bear witness to it. The Pakistani army killed countless people. Today, those who collaborated with the Pakistani forces are seeking your votes. We cannot elect anyone who has not recognized our independence.”
Fakhrul outlined several initiatives planned under Tarique Rahman’s leadership. A family card for women will be introduced, providing direct benefits for daily household needs and serving as an effective empowerment tool for mothers and sisters. He promised that if BNP comes to power, 15 million jobs will be created within 18 months.
He also announced plans for an agriculture card to provide farmers with various facilities and a health card to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for the general public.
Highlighting Thakurgaon’s agricultural profile, Fakhrul said: “This is an agriculture-dominated area, currently producing large quantities of vegetables, mangoes, lychees, oranges, and other fruits. We aim to establish cold storage facilities for vegetables and fruits here.”
