Those who label BNP fascist lack political knowledge Says Fakhrul 

 
BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that those who call BNP a fascist party lack political knowledge and understanding of history.

He said BNP is a democratic and liberal political party that formed the government with the votes and love of the people following a long political struggle.

Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB) divisional office at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium on the premises of the Rangpur City Public Library.

Responding to a question from journalists about BNP being called a fascist party, Fakhrul said those who describe BNP as fascist either lack political knowledge or have developed such a mindset.

He said BNP formed the government after winning two-thirds of the seats in parliament through a long struggle and with the love and votes of the people. BNP has been given the responsibility of running the state not once, but five times, he added.

Asked whether Jamaat-e-Islami is a democratic party, the BNP secretary general said Jamaat leaders themselves would evaluate the matter and that he did not need to comment on it.

Regarding the presidential election, Fakhrul said the post of president has become vacant and Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has taken over the presidency.

He said the presidential election would be held in due course in accordance with the Constitution. The party will decide who will be nominated as the BNP candidate for president, he added.

Speaking about rural development, Fakhrul said there is a huge demand for handicrafts made by rural women in international markets. Members of various BRDB associations are becoming self-reliant through their own initiatives and hard work and contributing to the country's economic development.

At the event, the minister distributed tree saplings, small and entrepreneurial loans, and incentive cheques for teenage girls among beneficiaries.

Highlighting the government's emphasis on women's education and development, Fakhrul said the government has taken various effective steps to ensure higher education for women. As a result, women are getting the opportunity to study free of cost up to graduation level.

He also stressed the importance of technical education in reducing unemployment, saying that demand for skilled workers in the international labour market is constantly increasing.

He urged unemployed youths to receive technical training and take advantage of employment opportunities abroad. This would help them improve their financial condition while making an important contribution to the country's economy, he said.

Regarding the development of the Rangpur region, the local government minister said an agricultural centre would be established to increase farmers' income and ensure proper storage of agricultural products.

At the same time, initiatives would be taken to establish agro-based industries and process agricultural products produced in the region for export.

Fakhrul urged businesspeople to invest in production-oriented sectors, saying the government would provide necessary support. Increased production and investment would further accelerate the overall socio-economic development of the region, he said.

Highlighting various public welfare initiatives, Fakhrul said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working tirelessly to improve the living standards of ordinary people.

He said various programmes, including farmer cards, agricultural loan waivers, family cards and canal excavation, are already being implemented. He expressed hope that these programmes would play an important role in the country's overall development.

Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Mohammad Shawkat Rashid Chowdhury chaired the programme.

BRDB Director General AKM Tarek, Rangpur-3 MP Mahbubur Rahman Belal, reserved women's seat-336 MP Advocate Rizika Sultana, Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam, Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Md Shamsuzzaman Samu, Rangpur Range DIG Aminul Islam, Rangpur Zilla Parishad Administrator Md Saiful Islam, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ruhul Amin and BNP leaders and activists from different levels attended the programme.

Earlier, at 10am, the minister inaugurated the Rangpur divisional office by unveiling a plaque at the BRDB office premises in the wholesale fish market area adjacent to Rangpur Central Bus Terminal.

Later, he inaugurated the three-day “Palli Mela-2026” at the city's Central Shaheed Minar square and visited different stalls.

A total of 29 stalls have been set up at the fair, which will remain open from 10am to 7pm every day.