B Mirror Report: BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the government is working to rebuild the economy, increase investment, create jobs and strengthen the country’s banking sector.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Bengal Delta Conference 2026 in the capital on Friday, Fakhrul said the government has undertaken a range of development initiatives to stimulate the rural economy. He added that its broader objective is to build Bangladesh into a democratic, inclusive and exploitation-free state by strengthening democratic institutions, restructuring the economy and improving people’s living standards.

The conference, organized by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (DIRA), was held under the theme “Bangladesh and a Changing World: Uncharted Times, Emerging Orders, and the Politics of Care.”

Fakhrul said Bangladesh is currently at a critical juncture, with the aspirations for democratic restoration and political change creating new opportunities for the country. He paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and also honored those who lost their lives during the 2024 pro-democracy movement.

Describing himself as a grassroots political worker rather than a professional analyst, Fakhrul said his understanding of the country’s political landscape and public expectations comes from decades of political experience, including participation in movements against authoritarian rule.

Addressing the economic situation, he noted that global conflicts and economic instability, including tensions between Iran and the United States and the Russia-Ukraine war, have posed significant challenges for developing countries, including Bangladesh.

He said years of corruption, money laundering and financial irregularities have placed the economy under pressure. However, he expressed confidence that Bangladesh would recover by harnessing the strength of its people and emerging opportunities. He added that the government is prioritizing industrial development, agricultural growth and the expansion of the creative economy, while the latest national budget includes measures to encourage investment and industrialization.

On democratic reforms, Fakhrul said the government has initiated discussions with political parties to build consensus on constitutional reforms, emphasizing that strong institutions are essential for ensuring sustainable democracy.

Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, he called for greater engagement from international partners in Bangladesh’s economic development. He expressed optimism that the country’s people, through their courage, unity and hard work, would build a new Bangladesh where citizens can enjoy a prosperous, secure and dignified life.

The conference was attended by local and international researchers, policymakers, diplomats, development experts, business leaders and representatives of civil society.