Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said elections to local government bodies will be arranged as soon as possible.
“The law and order situation has improved compared to before, and stability has come to the economy. With collective efforts, I believe we can do even better,” he told journalists at the Secretariat on Wednesday, his first working day as minister.
The newly appointed minister said, “I have come with challenges—the challenge of nation-building.”
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s plan, Fakhrul added, “The cabinet will try to implement his vision and move the country forward. We want to advance with democracy. Democracy will remain at the core of everything we do.”
He expressed hope that with everyone’s cooperation, the ministry will become a “dynamic ministry.” He pledged to work on solving people’s problems, including providing family cards, supporting farmers, and strengthening social safety nets.
Fakhrul also said he will begin work immediately on directives from the prime minister regarding commodity prices during Ramadan.
Highlighting the need for further improvement in law and order, he said, “It is unrealistic to think everything will be fixed instantly after a mass uprising or revolution. One and a half years have passed. The interim government held elections, and now an elected government has come. This is a major achievement. Nationally and internationally, everyone is saying it was an inclusive election, and it has been accepted by all.”
The BNP leader noted that the interim government did what was necessary, adding, “The main issue was the transition to democracy, and they succeeded in that.”
Responding to a question about Awami League offices opening in different areas, Fakhrul said, “Some isolated incidents may occur in places, but these cannot be generalised.”
