What Asif Mahmud says about the Mecca Pact upon returning from Mecca

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, spokesperson for the National Citizen Party (NCP) and head of its Subcommittee on International Relations and Diaspora Affairs, flew back home this morning, (Monday), after performing the holy Umrah.

Speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his arrival, he discussed various contemporary issues, including international relations, Bangladesh's potential participation in the Mecca Pact, the country's energy and power situation, the overseas labor market, rising airfares, and ongoing political programs.

Regarding Bangladesh's potential involvement in the Mecca Pact, Asif Mahmud did view the government's initiative positively, saying, "We view the government's efforts to join the Mecca Pact as a positive step."

However, emphasizing the importance of preserving Bangladesh's national interests, strategic autonomy, and balance in international relations, he added, "Bangladesh must go into any commercial or military agreement while keeping the door open for maintaining relationships with everyone."

"Bangladesh's foreign policy should be framed in a way that deepening ties with one party does not undermine our interest-driven relationships with other states or regions," Asif added.

Asif also expressed concern over the country's current oil, gas, and electricity situation, saying, "Despite paying exorbitant prices and phantom bills, citizens are not getting adequate gas and electricity." He remarked that this is driving the country toward a crisis reminiscent of the period prior to 2005.

Referring to irregularities in the overseas labor market and the abnormal rise in airfares, Asif Mahmud pointed out that during the interim government's tenure, airfares to Saudi Arabia were brought down to around $350 (approximately Tk 40,000). Today, due to syndicate manipulation, the price for the same ticket has soared to Tk 60,000–70,000, and even up to Tk 80,000.

Asif alleged, "Syndicates and extortion networks have re-emerged across various sectors in the country. As a result, the cost of living for ordinary people is rising abnormally."

Citing the Malaysian labor market as an example, Asif explained that Bangladeshi workers have to spend up to Tk 8 lakh to travel to Malaysia compared to workers from other countries, which is by no means a level playing field or a fair situation.

The NCP leader called for effective measures to reduce recruitment costs for migrant workers and to put an end to the dominance of middlemen and syndicates in the labor market.

In response to a journalist's question regarding the long march announced by the 11-party alliance, Asif Mahmud said that it is a political program, noting that the strength of an opposition democratic force primarily rests on its capacity to protest.

"Through the long march, we mainly aim to highlight the suffering of the people. This is not only a part of our commitment to reforms, but also a protest against the ongoing gas-electricity crisis and economic hardship," Asif clarified.