Trump, Xi, Modi won’t come and do anything: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasised self-reliance and collective action for Bangladesh’s progress saying "Donald Trump from America, Xi Jinping from China, or Modi from India will not come and do anything by pushing us. We will have to do what we must do ourselves."
He came up with the remark at a discussion titled "Empowering Bangladesh in the Vision of Ambassador Sirajul Islam: Diplomacy and Governance on the Path of Leadership, Unity and Growth" held in the capital on Saturday (April 19).
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s history, Fakhrul highlighted the unity displayed during the Liberation War, when people of diverse ethnicities fought together for independence. He drew parallels with the mass uprising of 2024, saying, "Just as we united during the Liberation War, similarly, when students were fired upon in 2024, we all came together. We need to work collectively again, just as everyone united during the mass uprising."
He urged the nation to focus on internal strength rather than relying on external forces. "We must recognise our own potential and work together to move the country forward," he added.
Mirza Fakhrul noted Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in food security, contrasting the situation during the Liberation War with today’s achievements. "During the Liberation War, our population was 7 crore million, and we faced a food deficit of 2.8 million tonnes. Today, with a population of 18 crore, we have achieved self-sufficiency in food production thanks to the hard work of our farmers and agricultural scientists," he said.
However, he expressed concern over recent challenges, particularly the additional tariffs imposed by the United States. "The tariff imposed by the US is putting the country in a precarious position. If this issue is not resolved quickly, it will escalate into a bigger problem," he warned.
Highlighting the contributions of ordinary citizens, Mirza Fakhrul praised the hardworking villagers and farmers who are driving the nation’s progress. "The women working tirelessly for a salary of only Tk 15,000 are contributing significantly to the country’s growth. If we fail to think about them and their needs, the country cannot progress," he said.
He stressed the importance of inclusivity and empathy, urging policymakers and leaders to prioritise the welfare of grassroots communities. "Only if we truly think about them, the country will move forward," he added.
Despite acknowledging the challenges ahead, Mirza Fakhrul expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s future. "There will be problems, but there will also be solutions. Dr Yunus has been entrusted with responsibilities, and he is trying his best. I thank him and hope he succeeds. Let us help ourselves and build a brighter future," he said.
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed joined the event virtually. Besides Dr AS Rashiduzzaman, emeritus professor of Political Science at Rosen University, USA, Foreign Secretary Jasimuddin, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, North South University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, former adviser to a caretaker government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Action Aid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir, Economist Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir,
North South University professor Dr Mahbubur Rahman, AB Party general secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad,
Honorary Consul of Chile Asif A Chowdhury, North South University assistant professor Dr Saleh Shahriar, and Ambassador Sirajul Islam’s daughter Sabina Islam also spoke at the discussion.
The discussion underscored the importance of diplomacy, governance, and unity in shaping Bangladesh’s path toward leadership, growth, and sustainable development.
