BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday described the recent US decision to reduce tariffs on Bangladeshi exports as “good news for the country” and extended his appreciation to the interim government for its role in securing the outcome.

Speaking at a public gathering in Dhaka’s Uttara, marking the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising, Fakhrul praised the interim administration’s diplomatic engagement that led to the tariff being brought down from 35 percent to 20 percent.

“There’s some good news today,” Fakhrul told the crowd. “The US had earlier imposed a 35 percent tariff on our export products. That meant if we sold something for 100 taka, the buyer would have to pay 135 taka, making our goods less competitive in the global market.”

He continued, “Thanks to effective negotiations by our foreign ministry and advisers, the rate has now been reduced to 20 percent. For this, I thank the interim government. They’ve carried out a major responsibility.”

While acknowledging the government’s achievement, Fakhrul also pointed out the administration’s shortcomings. “There have been some mistakes and limitations, especially due to lack of experience. We had hoped they would complete a list of martyrs and initiate rehabilitation plans within a year. Though they haven’t fully succeeded, efforts are ongoing,” he said.

Referring to the just-concluded round of reform dialogue, Fakhrul said a full report is expected soon. He reiterated BNP’s stance in favor of holding a national election under the interim government in February 2026, as pledged by the Chief Adviser.

Highlighting the absence of elected representatives in Parliament, Fakhrul questioned, “Who do we turn to now? There are no MPs, no one to voice our issues in Parliament. This is why we urgently need elections and a functioning legislature.”

The BNP leader added that while the country has temporarily escaped from “a dangerous fascist grip,” the true liberation will only come when those responsible for looting banks and grabbing property are politically eliminated. “We will never accept or compromise with them,” he declared.

Fakhrul also reiterated his party’s trust in Tarique Rahman, expressing hope that the BNP’s acting chairman would return to the country soon and lead a new movement. “Just as people once placed their faith in Khaleda Zia, today they have that same confidence in Tarique Rahman.”
Looking to the future, Fakhrul said the BNP is committed to building a “new Bangladesh” under Tarique Rahman’s leadership—one based on equal rights, justice, poverty reduction, and democratic participation. He cited planned initiatives like farmers’ cards, health cards, and family welfare cards as part of this vision.
The event, organized by BNP’s Dhaka North unit, was attended by family members of the students killed during the final days of the mass uprising, who were honored during the gathering. BNP leaders including Nurul Islam Moni, Prof Morshed Hasan Khan, Saiful Alam Nirab, Hasan Jafir Tuhin, and others also addressed the rally.