BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'Policy Dissemination on Priority Social Policies' held in the capital today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the fascist Awami League (AL) government had destroyed the country's economy after 2009 and transformed it into the 'mafia economy.' 

He said, "The country had been turned into a heaven for a small group, while banks were systematically looted. Huge amounts of money were taken out of the country from the banking sector and transferred abroad, where certain individuals became owners of huge assets and wealth. The economy of the country was turned into a mafia economy."

Fakhrul made the remarks as the chief guest in a discussion titled 'Policy Dissemination on Priority Social Policies.'

BNP organized the event at hotel Sheraton in Banani of the city while diplomats from various countries took part in the discussion. 

Mirza Fakhrul said, "Last 15 years of so-called development were characterized by bloodlessness, lack of accountability and corruption. The country was pushed into a state of unprecedented election rigging, where voters were effectively absent from the electoral system. The situation eventually led to the uprising of students and the people in July, which created a new hope and a new opportunity." 

The BNP Secretary General further said inside the country there was no significant employment and meaningful investment.

He said BNP has been a pro-people and pro-development political party since the declaration of independence and has always moved forward, initiating political as well as economic reforms since its inception. 

"Today, the challenges are enormous, but BNP has already worked hard to prepare policies that will enable the shattered economy to grow in a civil and sustainable way."

Fakhrul said, "These policies would pave the way for sustainable development and empower lower-income people to rise. A new era would begin where a larger section of the population would participate in the economic development process under the concept of economic democratization."

"The economy would be inclusive, participatory and growing, and society would be built on democratic values and culture, placing people at the center of all decision-making," he added. 

Mentioning the programmes proposed by the party's leader, include social security, job creation, empowering youth and women, a needs-based education system, better health services and better family-oriented policies, he said, "Under visionary leadership, there is a commitment to creating better ideas, new technology and new opportunities."

The government is now in a critical situation, he said and expressed hope that the people will overcome all challenges, including the challenge of completing the election.

Member of the BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council Dr Ziauddin Haider presented the keynote speech. In his speech, he shared BNP's detailed social policy framework under its broader 31-Point State Repair Agenda. The speech, advocating for a shift from divisive politics to outcome-based governance, outlines eight priority areas designed to address the daily struggles of citizens amid economic strain, high inflation, and rising poverty.

The eight core social policies are- 

Family Card: A rights-based social protection scheme providing monthly support (BDT 2,000-2,500) to households via an adult woman, aiming to ensure food security, enable savings, and build household resilience.

Krishok (farmer) Card: A digital instrument to provide farmers with subsidized inputs, easier credit, insurance, and fair market access to protect livelihoods and food security.

Health: A paradigm shift towards preventive care, featuring a fully functional primary healthcare unit in every union and ward, integrated with higher-level hospitals through a referral system.

Education: A move beyond enrolment to focus on learning quality, relevance, and joy. Reforms include teacher development, modernized classrooms, a third language, mainstreamed technical education, and protections for girls.

Employment and Skills: A youth-centered strategy linking skills training to SME growth, IT, the blue economy, and overseas employment, with targeted support for entrepreneurs and marginalized groups.

Sports: Treating sports as nation-building policy by making physical education compulsory, ensuring infrastructure, creating career pathways, and promoting inclusivity, especially for girls.

Environment & Climate Resilience: A focus on large-scale water governance (canal excavation, barrages), mass tree plantation, and waste management to build resilience against climate shocks.

Dignity and Welfare for Religious Leaders: Providing financial security and honorariums to religious leaders of all faiths to strengthen community stability and social harmony.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan,BNP Joint Secretary General (foreign affairs) Humayun Kabir, BNP Internatinal Affairs Secretary Rashedul Haque, BNP Chairman's Advisory Council member Dr. Mahdi Amin and Dhaka University Pro Vice-chancellor (Academic) Prof Mamun Ahmed, among others leaders of the party participated in the event.