Ismail Zabiullah elected ICAPP vice-chairperson

Md Ismail Zabiullah, a member of the BNP Standing Committee and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public Administration, has been elected vice-chairperson of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP).

The election took place at the 13th General Assembly of ICAPP, the largest international platform of political parties in Asia, which was inaugurated on Thursday at The Shilla Seoul hotel in South Korea.

The inaugural ceremony was jointly hosted by South Korea’s ruling Minju (Democratic) Party and opposition People Power Party.

Zabiullah addressed the first plenary session of the assembly, calling for stronger democracy, good governance, the rule of law and international cooperation to address global political instability, conflicts and the growing crisis of trust.

Describing the conference theme, "Rebuilding Trust in a Changing World," as highly relevant and timely, he said restoring mutual trust was essential to ensuring global peace and prosperity.

"Democracy is not merely an electoral process; it is a social contract between those entrusted with state power and the people," he said, adding that accountability, transparency, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights must form its foundation.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the BNP considers the mandate received from the people not as an opportunity to exercise power but as a responsibility to serve them. The prime minister believes in ensuring peace through dialogue rather than conflict, he added.

Expressing deep concern over humanitarian crises in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, Zabiullah said the dignity of human life must take precedence over geopolitical interests. International principles and values, he stressed, must be applied equally to all without discrimination.

Highlighting the importance of intercontinental political dialogue, he said cooperation among political parties across the world had become increasingly important amid the prevailing global uncertainties.

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"Just as Asia cannot remain isolated from instability in Europe, Europe cannot remain unaffected by crises in the Middle East," he said, adding that the BNP was keen to actively engage in such intercontinental political dialogue.

Taking a firm position against interference in the domestic politics of other countries, Zabiullah said no political party should support a party in another country in a way that undermines its sovereignty. He proposed that ICAPP develop an effective mechanism to prevent cross-border political interference.

On the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), he said that while the technology could significantly enhance productivity, it also threatened the livelihoods of millions of people. Its growing application in modern warfare was equally concerning, he added.

He urged ICAPP to take the lead in developing a unified strategic policy framework to help developing countries address the challenges associated with AI.

The BNP leader also underscored the need to allocate a significant portion of national GDP to tackling climate change and ensuring equitable climate financing.

Warning against the harmful effects of misinformation and deliberate disinformation on the younger generation, he said growing depression and mental health crises had emerged as silent challenges worldwide.

He called on ICAPP to give priority to the mental well-being of young people and stressed the need for more frequent and sustained engagement among political parties, not only at the leadership level but also among grassroots members and activists.

Concluding his address, Zabiullah said the future of the world would depend not only on coercion or resources but also on the ability of international institutions to sustain people's trust and confidence.

Reaffirming Bangladesh and the BNP's commitment to democratic values, the rule of law and international cooperation, he said, "Restoring trust must not be treated merely as a political slogan, but as an enduring commitment to our shared future."