Fakhrul reaffirms BNP’s commitment to safeguarding economic stability

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to safeguarding economic stability, strengthening democratic governance, and ensuring the welfare of ordinary citizens including farmers and workers of the country.  Describing BNP as a responsible political party, built by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman on the principles of hard work, discipline and economic openness, he said, “Ziaur Rahman transformed Bangladesh from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy.”

BNP Secretary General said, “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman shifted the economy from a closed model to an open one. His contributions remain the most significant in shaping the modern economic base of Bangladesh,” he noted. Fakhrul made these remarks while addressing at a session of the “Fourth Bangladesh Economic Conference 2025: Future Economic Roadmap and Political Commitment” held at a hotel in the capital today. Daily Bonik Barta organized the event.

Mirza Fakhrul also praised BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury for presenting a clear economic roadmap for the party in the session highlighting on Bangladesh’s economic challenges and the BNP’s proposed reforms. The BNP Secretary General said the party’s governance record had always emphasized 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 said.

Mirza Fakhrul reiterated that the welfare of ordinary people is at the centre of BNP’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 said. He called for a change in mindset regarding the treatment of businesspeople in the country. Referring to observations made during the discussion, he said, “Trust is essential.

If we do not trust our entrepreneurs, how can they contribute to development? Businesses grow when the state treats them with confidence, not suspicion.” Fakhrul also raised concerns about the impact of shutting down industries whose owners are accused of financial crimes. “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,” he urged.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s progress in agriculture, Mirza Fakhrul said the country had achieved remarkable self-sufficiency in food production, he said adding that at independence in 1971, Bangladesh had a population of 75 million and faced a food deficit of 2.8 million tonnes. “Today we are almost self-sufficient. This is the achievement of our farmers, agricultural scientists and all who work in the sector,” he said.

He stressed the urgent need for reforms in healthcare and education. “We must overhaul the education system to make it appropriate for the development needs of our people. The health sector also requires major improvements. These areas are essential for building a prosperous nation,” he added. Mirza Fakhrul said the BNP had long proposed political and economic reforms. “In 2016, under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, we presented many of the reform ideas being discussed today.

 Again in 2023, our 31-point framework outlined political, economic and governance reforms. Most of today’s discussions reflect what we proposed years ago,” he said. He emphasized that charting the future of Bangladesh requires both economic and political roadmaps. “Economic reforms alone will not work.  Political reforms must also ensure stability and continuity. We have already begun working in that direction,” he said.

Reaffirming the BNP’s vision, Fakhrul said, “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 by saying, “Our experience and commitment will guide us as we work to transform Bangladesh into a truly democratic and prosperous nation.”