Fakhrul says rebuilding country after years of decline is govt’s immediate test

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the country’s new administration faces the daunting task of rebuilding Bangladesh after what he described as a period of widespread institutional and economic decline.

Speaking on Saturday at a meeting with district-level leaders of BNP and its affiliated bodies at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka, Fakhrul said the party assumed office amid severe challenges.

“We have taken responsibility at a time when the country is in ruins,” he told party leaders and activists. “Wherever you look, there are signs of damage. Recovering from this situation and rebuilding the nation is now our central challenge, both as a party and as a government.”

Fakhrul, who also serves as Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, said BNP had recently concluded a major political struggle aimed at restoring democracy and protecting the country’s interests. He credited the party’s electoral victory and formation of government to that movement and to the leadership of Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman.

“You have fought a long battle to safeguard democracy and the people’s rights,” he said. “Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, we secured a parliamentary majority and formed the government.”

He urged party members to remain united and mindful of the sacrifices made by activists during the movement. Calling for stronger grassroots engagement, Fakhrul encouraged leaders to expand organisational activities and maintain close contact with the public.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the event as chief guest. The programme was chaired by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Among those present were BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman and DR AZM Zahid Hossain, along with leaders from Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Chhatra Dal.