BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has praised the interim government for successfully negotiating with the US administration to lower tariffs on Bangladeshi products from 35 percent to 20 percent.

“There is some good news… Our Foreign Ministry and advisers have managed to bring down the US tariffs on our goods to 20 percent through discussions. That’s why I want to thank this government as they have helped the country avoid a major crisis,” he said while addressing a rally organized to commemorate the martyrs of the democratic movement on the occasion of the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising on Friday.

BNP Dhaka North City unit organised the programme in front of Azampur’s Amir Complex in the capital’s Uttara area,

The BNP leader said the United States had imposed a 35 percent tariff on Bangladesh’s products exported to their country. “It means that for the goods we export, they would charge a 35% tax... At that price, our goods would no longer be competitive or sell well.”

He, however, said the biggest challenge now for the government is to hold the national election in February next year as promised by the Chief Adviser.

“We want this election, and so do the people. The people of this country want to see the country governed by an elected government,” the BNP leader said.

He said that at present, there is no one to represent the common people or to resolve their problems due to the absence of an elected parliament and local government bodies.

“If I face a problem now, where do I go? There’s no Member of Parliament. Who will raise my issue in Parliament? There’s no one. Who will speak for me and my demands in the House? No one! That’s exactly why we urgently need elections and a Parliament where we can raise our voice,” the BNP leader said.

Fakhrul also thanked the government as the Consensus Commission has completed its discussions with political parties to finalise reform proposals based on mutual agreement. “Just yesterday (Thursday), the reform meeting ended. We hope a full report will be released within the next couple of days.”

He said many people make different remarks about the government and also criticise them. “Yes, they have made mistakes and have shortcomings, as they lack experience.”

Fakhrul said they hoped that the interim government would prepare a proper list of martyrs and take steps for their rehabilitation within a year. “Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to fully achieve that. But they are trying."

He urged BNP leaders and activists to change their mindset and refrain from any wrongdoing in order to build a new Bangladesh with the love and support of the people.

“We have been freed for the time being from an awful fascism. This liberty will only be complete when we can completely defeat them (fascist forces) politically,” Fakhrul said.

He warned that their party will not compromise with those who loot, rob banks, extort money, or grab people’s property. “We will never accept them and we will not let them move forward in any way.”