BNP will try to improve ties with India, resolve water-sharing issues, stop border killings: Fakhrul tells TBS
In an exclusive interview with TBS Executive Editor Shakhawat Liton, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also says the party will not allow financial plundering if it forms government
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said his party will seek to improve functional relations with India, specifically by addressing and solving crucial issues such as water-sharing disputes, ending border killings, and ensuring balanced trade if voted to power in the upcoming general election.
In an exclusive interview with The Business Standard, the third part of which aired today (8 September), Fakhrul provided insights into his party's foreign policy priorities, stressing the importance of maintaining good relations with all countries, particularly key development partners.
He acknowledged India as a big neighbour and a significant development partner, while pledging to focus on "functional relations" by addressing outstanding challenges.
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"We will work to resolve water-sharing problems, put a complete stop to border killings and bring balance to trade, which is now heavily tilted," he said.
However, he expressed disappointment that the Indian side has not extended any invitations or shown significant interest in communication with the BNP, which he described as a "barrier".
Fakhrul further said Sheikh Hasina's current presence in India is seen as a "problem" and is not viewed positively in Bangladesh, particularly because she is as "accused of genocide".
The BNP leader added that the party would continue to deepen ties with China and expand cooperation with the United States to boost trade and investment.
On Pakistan, he said his party viewed efforts to improve relations positively and would pursue the same approach if it formed the next government.
Turning to domestic priorities, Fakhrul said the BNP's first tasks in office would be restoring law and order and creating jobs for young people. Although a new budget would need to be presented within months of the election, he insisted the party was prepared.
He promised an end to financial plundering, encouraging private investment and ensuring the free market could function properly. "Bringing back laundered money is not easy, and it will definitely take time. But we can assure everyone that we will not allow such plundering to take place," he said.
On healthcare, Fakhrul reaffirmed the BNP's commitment to raising expenditure to 5% of GDP, calling it a core promise to the people. In education, he said while a full policy had not yet been finalised, the party would cut wasteful spending on unnecessary institutions and prioritise vocational training and modern agricultural education.
Talking about the future, Fakhrul said he wants to see Bangladesh as a truly democratic state in the next five to 10 years. "At the same time, I want to see the economy finding its foundation, people's living standards improving and the emergence of a democratic culture in Bangladesh."
TBS Multimedia today released the final of a three-part interview with Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Stay tuned to The Business Standard's website and multimedia platforms.
