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Political unity takes centre stage at PM’s meeting with allied parties
The government will work together with the like-minded political parties that joined the BNP-led movement to restore democracy, while Prime Minister has reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the July Charter in full, BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.
Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister at her official residence on Monday night in honour of the leaders of political parties that participated in the BNP’s simultaneous movement.
He said the meeting was an “earnest exchange of views” between the Prime Minister and the leaders of political parties that had been involved in the movement over the past 15 to 16 years. The Prime Minister paid tribute to those who were killed and injured during the July mass uprising, saying their sacrifices created the opportunity to restore a democratic environment in the country.
Fakhrul said many activists faced imprisonment, repression, enforced disappearance and serious injuries during the movement. He said the leaders at the meeting expressed their determination to strengthen political unity by remembering their sacrifices.
According to him, leaders of different political parties appreciated the Prime Minister’s initiative to hold discussions with them. The Prime Minister also thanked the parties for their role in the movement.
The BNP secretary general said the Prime Minister acknowledged that regular meetings with all political parties could not be held during the first five months of the government due to workload and other priorities. However, she assured that discussions with the like-minded parties would continue regularly in the future.
Highlighting various government initiatives, Fakhrul said the administration has introduced programmes including Tk 10,000 agricultural assistance for farmers, expansion of the Family Card programme, distribution of Farmer Cards, allowances for religious leaders and welfare support for athletes.
He said the government began its work with a damaged economy and weakened state institutions, claiming that the previous government had undermined institutions, including the banking sector. He added that efforts were now underway to rebuild those institutions and restore public confidence.
Fakhrul further said the Prime Minister reiterated that the government would work to implement the BNP’s 31-point reform agenda. He added that the July Charter signed with political parties would also be implemented “word by word”.
Replying to a question about local government elections, Fakhrul said the existing law does not allow elections to local government bodies under party symbols. He said no detailed discussion had been held on the matter yet and decisions would be taken after consultations with relevant political parties if necessary.
JB/HIS
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