Staff Reporter:
Following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) decisive majority in the 13th National Parliamentary Election and its move toward forming the next government, BNP Standing Committee member and MP-elect Salahuddin Ahmed has outlined the party’s foreign policy priorities, particularly regarding relations with India.
Speaking to journalists on Friday afternoon, Salahuddin expressed gratitude to Allah and thanked the people of the country for their support in the election.
Addressing questions about future relations with India, he said the new government would maintain friendly relations not only with neighboring countries but with all nations, based on fairness and equal rights.
He emphasised that bilateral ties would be grounded in sovereignty, mutual respect, and equality.
Responding to a question about the possible trial of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Salahuddin said that as investigations are ongoing and specific allegations have been raised against her and the Bangladesh Awami League, steps would be taken to bring her back to the country under the existing extradition treaty with India.
“Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the process of returning her to face trial will be initiated in accordance with legal procedures,” he said.
Salahuddin further stated that the people’s mandate has opened the path for establishing a strong democracy in the country.
He identified three key priorities for the incoming government: establishing the rule of law, achieving economic prosperity, and eradicating corruption.
“Our struggle was for democratic reforms of the state structure,” he said. “In line with the aspirations of the martyrs and the expectations of the younger generation, we aim to build a merit- and technology-based state.”
He added that constitutional reforms would be carried out in accordance with the party’s election manifesto and its “31-point” agenda. The “July National Charter,” which he described as a document of political consensus, would be implemented in full.
Regarding the publication of the official election gazette, Salahuddin said he expects the Election Commission to release it by Friday afternoon.
Following that, members of parliament will take their oath in accordance with constitutional provisions, and the process of forming the new government will begin.
Concluding his remarks, he called for cooperation from the media and people from all sectors of society to work together in building a Bangladesh founded on equality and human dignity.
