“We have (political) problems, and these will be resolved. In fact, a lot of progress has already been made. I want to thank Professor Yunus for taking on the responsibility (of running the country). I believe he will be successful. Let us all help him, help ourselves and move forward,” he told a discussion.

Empowerment Bangladesh and North South University ‘s Department of History and Philosophy  arranged the discussion titled ‘Ambassador Sirajul Islam's Vision of Empowering Bangladesh: Leadership, Unity and Growth, Diplomacy and Governance for the Country’s Transformation’.

Fakhrul said everyone seems to be growing frustrated after listening to television talk shows and the speeches of scholars and political leaders all around.

He said people are also getting worried about what the ultimate outcome will be, following the sacrifices of so much blood and so many lives during the July-August uprising.

“I firmly believe that something good will surely happen…and it will be very good. We, the people of Bangladesh, have always fought for what is right and have triumphed time and again,” the BNP leader said.

Stating that behind all of Bangladesh’s achievements are its youth, Fakhrul said youth of Bangladesh played a pivotal role in all democratic and rights movements, from the Language Movement of 1952 to the July-August mass uprising of 2024.

“But I want to emphasise one thing that there is no alternative to democracy and democracy cannot be imposed. It has to be practised, and the spaces for that practice must remain open,” he said.

Fakhrul said everyone must understand this country belongs to them, and it is their responsibility to build its future.

ANFREL delegation meets Fakhrul, discusses election issue

“Trump (Donald Trump) from America or Xi (Xi Jinping) from China will not come and build it. Nor will Modi (Narendra Modi) from India be able to push us to do anything. We must instill these truths in our hearts,” he said.

He emphasised that Bangladesh was founded on the principles of pluralism and unity in diversity. “Our nation was born through a convergence of many different thoughts and ideologies…during the Liberation War, we united despite having different beliefs—be it socialism, communism, or religion. We fought as one.”

Drawing a parallel with last year’s uprising, the BNP leader said, “The same unity was seen in 2024 when bullets were fired at students. People from all walks of life and ideological backgrounds came to the streets in protest. That day, the nation stood together once again.”The BNP leader called upon all to unite once again, putting aside differences for the welfare of the country.He voiced concern over the neglect of the country’s marginalised people, especially farmers, labourers, and working-class people.

“No one speaks for them. Our farmers, workers, and hardworking people bear the brunt of inequality. Yet they continue to work with dedication and keep this country moving forward. We must speak for them,” the BNP leader said.

He mentioned that, in his view, the most patriotic people are the farmers and those who work alongside them, including agriculturists and agricultural scientists.

“As of now, the greatest success Bangladesh has achieved is in agriculture. During the Liberation War, our population was around 7 crore. It stands now at 18 crore. At that time, we had a food deficit of 2.8 million metric tonnes, but that deficit has nearly vanished. The country's farmers and agricultural scientists are working to address food shortages and ensure food security. We do not think about that or recognise it,” the BNP leader said.

Fakhrul said the country’s policymakers are now focusing with great importance on how to address the recent issue of US tariffs on Bangladesh.

“It is a fact that if this issue is not resolved, we could face even greater trouble. But I believe that if we can bring forward farmers and those involved in agriculture, give them employment, and provide them with new technology, we will be able to overcome such problems very quickly,” he observed.