BNP wants Modi govt to prioritize democracy in Bangladesh ties

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their party wants Narendra Modi’s new Indian government to emphasize the Bangladeshi people's quest for democracy as a cornerstone for fostering bilateral relations.

He said this at a discussion meeting organized at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Monday on the occasion of Ziaur Rahman's 43rd death anniversary. The meeting was organized by the Nationalist Farmers Party, reports UNB.

“The people of this country fought the Liberation War in 1971 to achieve the same standards seen in India, where citizens can elect their representatives and where the Election Commission and judiciary operate independently,” he said.

The BNP leader said their party has been working to attain this goal and to establish democracy in the same manner.

“What we expect from the new Indian government is that it will respect the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh and thus foster relations with Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said.

He also said India is undoubtedly the most influential neighbouring country of Bangladesh.

AL makes Bangladesh dependent on foreign nations, Fakhrul said.

It should be noted that Narendra Modi formed the government for the third consecutive time as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, won 293 seats in India's 18th general election. In view of this, he took the oath as Prime Minister of India for the third term on Sunday.