The 13th General Assembly of International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), the largest international platform for political parties in Asia, officially opened in Seoul, South Korea on Thursday.
At the conference, Md Ismail Zabihullah, leader of BNP delegation, member of the party’s national standing committee, and public administration adviser to the prime minister, was elected vice-chairperson of the session.
The opening ceremony took place on Thursday at Shilla Seoul Hotel, jointly organised by South Korea’s ruling Minjoo (Democratic) Party and opposition People Power Party.
Speaking at the first plenary session following the opening, Ismail called for strengthening democracy, good governance, the rule of law, and international cooperation to tackle global political instability, conflict, and the crisis of trust.
Describing the conference theme, “Rebuilding Trust in a Changing World,” as highly timely, he said re-establishing mutual trust is essential to ensuring global peace and prosperity.
He said democracy is not merely an electoral process, but a social contract between the people and those entrusted with state power, founded on accountability, transparency, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental rights.
He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, BNP views the mandate given by the people not as an opportunity to exercise power, but as a responsibility to serve the public.
He added that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman believes in ensuring peace through dialogue rather than conflict.
Expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, including Palestine, he outlined the BNP government’s perspective, saying human dignity must be placed above geopolitical interests.
He stressed that international principles and ideals must be applied equally to everyone without discrimination.
Highlighting the significance of intercontinental political dialogue, Ismail said dialogue among political parties across continents has become increasingly vital in today’s volatile world.
Just as Asia cannot remain isolated from instability in Europe, Europe cannot remain free from the impact of crises in the Middle East, he said, adding that BNP is keen to participate actively in such intercontinental political dialogues.
Opposing interference in the internal politics of other nations, he said no political party should support a political party in another country in a manner that compromises that country’s sovereignty.
He proposed that ICAPP establish an effective mechanism to prevent cross-border political interference.
Addressing the potential and risks of artificial intelligence (AI), he warned that while AI creates opportunities to boost productivity, it poses a threat to the livelihoods of millions of people, and its application in modern warfare is equally alarming.
To tackle these challenges, he called for formulating a common strategic policy paper for developing countries under ICAPP’s initiative. He also stressed allocating an appropriate share of national GDP to combat climate change and ensuring fairness in climate financing.
Warning against the negative impact of misinformation and targeted disinformation on the younger generation, he noted that global depression and mental health crises have become silent challenges.
He urged ICAPP to focus on protecting youth mental health, while also increasing regular engagement not only with top party leadership but also with grassroots leaders and activists.
Concluding his speech, Ismail said the future of the world will depend not merely on coercion or resources, but on the ability of international institutions to retain the trust and confidence of the people.
Reaffirming commitment on behalf of Bangladesh and BNP to democratic values, the rule of law, and international cooperation, he said rebuilding trust must be embraced not merely as a political slogan, but as an enduring commitment to our shared future.
Delegates from five political parties from Bangladesh are attending the 13th General Assembly of ICAPP.
Alongside public administration adviser to the prime minister Md Ismail Zabiullah, the BNP delegation includes Syed Emran Saleh Prince, joint secretary general of BNP and administrator of Mymensingh Zila Parishad.
Jamaat-e-Islami delegation comprises Barrister Mahbubul Alam Salehi, MP, and Salahuddin Ayyubi, MP.
National Citizen Party (NCP) delegation features Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwary, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Monira Sharmin, and Md Alauddin.
BNP delegation includes Md Momtaz Uddin and Md Alahan Uddin, while the Islami Andolan Bangladesh delegation is represented by KM Billal and Md Rajon Sikder.
The conference, aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation and dialogue among Asian political parties, promoting democratic values, and taking joint initiatives for regional peace, stability, and development, will continue until 6 November.
A post-conference itinerary is scheduled for 7 November, during which participating delegates will visit key cultural and historical sites in South Korea.
