World supports Bangladesh’s democratic transition through polls: Fakhrul

Bangla Press Desk:   BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said that “the entire world supports Bangladesh’s democratic transition through elections.”

“Our message is now one and simple that we will prepare for the February election in accordance with the instructions our leader Tarique Rahman has given,” Fakhrul told journalists upon reaching the Dhaka airport from New York.

On 22 September, he travelled to New York as part of the entourage of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus for the 80th UN General Assembly session. The chief adviser returned on Thursday, but the BNP secretary general has returned a day later after attending a party program in the US.

Others in the chief adviser’s delegation included BNP acting chairman’s adviser Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, NCP’s member secretary Akhtar Hossain, and joint convener Tasnim Jara.

When asked whether he had discussions with representatives of various countries during the UN session, Mirza Fakhrul replied, “We spoke with everyone. And of course, we spoke with those who were there with us… that’s only natural.”

Regarding the trip, he said, “At the invitation of the honorable chief adviser, we joined him as part of his delegation to the 80th UN General Assembly session, and we fulfilled the responsibilities assigned to us there. I believe our trip was successful.”

“For the first time, the chief adviser of the interim government invited several major political parties to demonstrate national unity. In that respect, the trip was definitely successful. Bangladesh’s message has reached the world.”

Mirza Fakhrul added, “Alongside the General Assembly, other meetings in New York have also been very good for Bangladesh and for democracy as a whole.”

When asked about the harassment incident upon landing at the New York airport, he said, “We don’t consider these things very significant. This is simply part of the Awami League’s culture of creating such incidents.”