BNP forum to decide on new president: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (25 July) said the party's final decision on the country's next president would be taken by its policymaking forum.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the annual planning conference of the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura, Fakhrul said the BNP had not yet held any meeting on the issue.

"The BNP will hold meetings, including that of the Standing Committee. We have not held any meeting yet. The party's final decision will be known after those meetings," he said.

Asked about speculation surrounding his own name for the post, Fakhrul avoided a direct response, saying the decision of the party forum would be considered final.

During the event, Fakhrul also urged greater focus on research, innovation and productive activities instead of political debate.

He said political discussions often overshadow achievements in research and innovation, although technologies developed by researchers could play a significant role in improving agricultural productivity. He also called on the media to highlight such successes more prominently.

Fakhrul said farmers' biggest challenge was not production but ensuring fair prices for their produce. He stressed the need for more research into cold storage, preservation and marketing systems, while encouraging greater private investment in these sectors.

He also urged young people to pursue entrepreneurship instead of relying solely on government or private sector jobs, saying greater involvement in agriculture-based enterprises, storage and marketing would create employment opportunities while benefiting farmers.

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

Among those present were Bogura-5 MP Golam Mohammad Siraj, Bogura-1 MP Kazi Rafiqul Islam, Public Administration Secretary Md Ehsanul Haque and other senior officials.