BNP seeks friendship with India on equal footing, says Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the party seeks friendly relations with India, but only on the principle of equality.

Speaking on Saturday afternoon at a memorial event in Gazipur’s Kapasia, he said India must refrain from “interfering” in Bangladesh's internal matters.

“Those who carried out repression against us have fled and taken shelter in India,” he added. “India has always tried to put us in trouble.”

Fakhrul alleged that Bangladesh had been denied its fair share of the Farakka and Teesta river waters, despite repeated demands.

He also warned that the BNP would not fall for “misinformation campaigns”, describing current political developments as a “coordinated attempt” to sideline the party.

The BNP leader said public support remains the party’s main strength.

Touching on the party’s demand for a free and fair election, Muhammad Yunus had been tasked with forming an impartial Advisory Council to oversee a credible national vote.

He, however, cautioned against “bias” within the process, saying: “We are hearing that some are showing favouritism. The nation will not accept it.

“We want democracy restored. We want a parliament formed through a fair election.”

Addressing the interim government, he said it must remain fully neutral and meet the public demand for an “unbiased” electoral process.