People’s interests are our foremost priority, says Tarique Rahman

Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), today said that safeguarding the interests of Bangladesh and its people would be the party’s highest priority in government.

“The interests of Bangladesh and its people come first for us. Our foreign policy decisions will always be guided by the country’s welfare and the well-being of its citizens,” he said.

He made the remarks while responding to a question from a foreign journalist at a press conference held at Hotel InterContinental in the capital.

Elaborating on the party’s foreign policy stance, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the BNP believes in multilateralism rather than a country-centric approach. “Our policy is based on mutual respect, mutual interest, non-interference, and Bangladesh’s strategic autonomy. It applies equally to all countries,” he said.

On the judiciary, Tarique emphasized that it is an independent matter for the judicial branch, adding that the party supports a clear separation of the judiciary from the executive and legislative branches.

Responding to a question about whether securing over 200 seats required any ‘engineering,’ he remarked, “Our only ‘engineering’ was convincing the people. Alhamdulillah, we succeeded.” He added that ensuring a fair and conducive environment and working hard were key to achieving the party’s electoral success.

When asked about future relations with India, Pakistan, and China, he reiterated that Bangladesh’s national interest would remain paramount and requested Amir Khasru to elaborate further. Khasru reaffirmed that foreign policy would always be framed around protecting the country’s interests.

Addressing the government’s immediate challenges, Tarique identified economic revival, restoring law and order, and ensuring public security as top priorities. He alleged that the previous regime had politicized state institutions and said the BNP would focus on establishing good governance.

On youth development, he said the party’s manifesto outlines plans not only for young people but also for women and persons with special needs. “We have received the people’s mandate and will work for all sections of society,” he said.

Regarding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the potential return of Sheikh Hasina, he noted that SAARC was initiated by Bangladesh and expressed the party’s intention to revitalize the regional bloc through dialogue.

Speaking about China-Bangladesh relations, Tarique said the government would strengthen ties while prioritizing Bangladesh’s national interests. He acknowledged China’s involvement in various development projects and expressed hope for deeper cooperation in the future.

On economic mobilization, he stressed the importance of attracting more businesses and generating employment. Concerning corruption and law enforcement, he asserted, “The law is equal for everyone. Once we assume responsibility, we will ensure that the law takes its own course.”

Asked about the party’s stance on the Awami League, he replied that the rule of law would guide their approach.

On recovering laundered money and assets allegedly siphoned off during the previous regime, he pointed to the party manifesto. Referring to his concept of a “Democratic Economy,” he said the BNP aims to create an environment where individuals can conduct business based on merit and ability, without special privileges for any particular group.

Journalists from international outlets, including Al Jazeera, BBC, and ABC, as well as representatives from China, India, Pakistan, Japan, and Germany, attended the event.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other Standing Committee members were present on the stage alongside Tarique Rahman.

At the outset of the conference, Tarique Rahman delivered a speech thanking the people of Bangladesh for giving the BNP an overwhelming mandate in the parliamentary elections.