BNP Secretary General and Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir resumed office at the party’s central headquarters in Naya Paltan on Monday, bringing an end to the quiet that had prevailed since the election.
Party leaders, activists and supporters gathered at the office from the morning after learning that he would attend. The recently subdued headquarters turned lively again with slogans and a visible presence of party workers.
Fakhrul reached the party office around 10:30am and was received with a bouquet at the main gate by BNP Joint Office Secretary Munir Hossain, Tarikul Islam Tenzing and BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
He later went to his chamber on the second floor where party Executive Committee member Saleh Uddin, Vice-President of the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Welfare Front Tapan Kumar Majumdar and office staff greeted him with flowers.
This marked the first time Fakhrul visited the Naya Paltan central office since the 13th parliamentary election.
Since the BNP formed the government on 17 February, the office had remained largely empty, with limited activity by officials and employees.
On Monday, however, the atmosphere was different. Staff appeared cheerful, and the briefing room was prepared and arranged.
BNP office official Rezaul Karim said they had been ready since morning for the secretary general’s visit and felt encouraged by his presence. Another staff member said the office had remained almost empty over the past six days, with little work to do.
Abdul Halim, a Dhaka city BNP worker, said he arrived at the office around 10am after hearing about Fakhrul’s visit. He said the headquarters had been unusually quiet in recent days but regained energy as leaders and activists returned and slogans filled the premises.
During his time at the office, Fakhrul instructed assistant office secretaries to maintain regular attendance. He also enquired about the work of officials and staff and asked them to ensure regular office operations.
He told them not to leave any work pending and to assist party members who come from distant areas. He emphasised that there should be no laxity in providing such support.
After staying at the Naya Paltan office for about 45 minutes, Fakhrul left for his office at the Secretariat in his capacity as local government minister.
