Refrain from making deals that jeopardise national interest: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the interim government not to sideline political parties or enter into any agreements that could jeopardise the national interest.

"Implement the agreed-upon reforms and hold elections. A national charter must be drafted by July to make the parliament functional," he said while speaking at a rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, the labour wing of BNP, at Nayapaltan in the capital on the occasion of May Day.

Fakhrul also stated that the future of Bangladesh depends on a fair and inclusive national election.

Addressing the current political landscape, he stated, "We are living in a time of political abnormality. While we have challenged fascism, we have yet to restore a parliament formed through genuine votes."

Fakhrul also urged the interim government to expedite the reform process, drawing parallels to the party's founder Ziaur Rahman's democratic transition from Baksal. 

"Zia freed the media and introduced reforms. Reform is our creation — our vice chairman [Tarique Rahman] proposed 31 points during the fascist regime. Now those reforms must be implemented," he added.

The senior BNP leader emphasised that the foundations of modern civilisation — including cities, skyscrapers, and infrastructure — have been built through the labour and sacrifice of workers. 

"Today we commemorate the achievements won through the workers' movement," he said.

He described the working class as the most deprived segment of society, despite being essential to sustaining civilisation. 

"The production process may have evolved, but the rights and needs of workers remain unaddressed," he added.

He credited Ziaur Rahman for recognising the importance of the working class by initiating the garment industry and facilitating labour export.

"He [Zia] laid the foundation for several industries and established institutions to ensure education and welfare for workers," Fakhrul said, adding that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia continued this legacy by setting up labour courts.

In his address, Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain highlighted the need for a safe working environment. 

"Thousands of workers died in 2013 [in the Rana Plaza collapse] because of the actions of Awami League's thug Rana. The people now want to see a government elected through fair and immediate elections," he said.

'We don't need corridors that don't serve our interests': Mirza Abbas

Speaking at the rally, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas criticized the interim government decision, in principle, to allow Bangladesh to be used as a corridor for delivering humanitarian aid to Myanmar's conflict-torn Rakhine State. 

"Several countries have suffered by allowing humanitarian corridors. Pakistan, for example, worsened its own situation by allowing one in Afghanistan. We don't need corridors that harm us and offer no real benefit. If such decisions are taken by ignoring political parties, the people will resist," he said.

Abbas pointed out that no political party has embraced reforms in full. 

"Some parties have accepted only 30%, others 20%. There are even parties that are not interested in elections at all," he noted. 
Responding to criticism from younger voices questioning BNP's efforts over the past 17 years, he said, "We have been watering the roots of the tree for 17 years, making it stronger. You've just climbed the tree and enjoyed the fruit."

He warned against political credit-taking at the expense of national stability. "Don't fight for credit. Don't drive the country toward the edge of disaster just to claim success."

Abbas said, "In opposing fascism, we must be careful not to become fascists ourselves. And let me be clear—this is not directed at the BNP."