Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD) Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that the government remains fully committed to implementing 31-point reform agenda and the July Charter in letter and spirit.
Speaking to reporters following a meeting and dinner hosted by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for leaders of the political parties involved in the anti-fascist movement, Fakhrul confirmed that the prime minister reaffirmed the administration’s pledge to fulfil its promises to the nation.
Tarique explicitly said the jointly announced 31-point agenda would be executed, alongside the July Charter which was signed by all participating political parties.
The high-level gathering took place at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday evening, bringing together leaders who stood alongside BNP during the 15 to 16-year struggle against autocracy.
According to Fakhrul, the meeting was designed to facilitate an exchange of views and to further solidify the unity established during the long campaign against fascism, extremism, and autocratic rule.
Fakhrul described the session as an emotional occasion where leaders reflected on their years of collective struggle, and the sacrifices made by activists who faced imprisonment, legal harassment, enforced disappearance, or death.
The prime minister greeted the alliance leaders individually, expressing the nation’s gratitude for their vital contributions to the democratic movement and stating that their role would always be remembered.
Addressing the frequency of formal consultations, he acknowledged that holding regular meetings with all allied parties had been difficult during the first five months of the administration due to the intense pressure of state duties and priority tasks.
However, the prime minister assured the leaders that such interactions would now occur more frequently to bolster political coordination and maintain ongoing consultations regarding future programmes.
The LGRD minister also highlighted several public welfare initiatives recently undertaken by the government, such as the waiver of agricultural loans up to Tk10,000 including interest, the distribution of Family Cards and Farmers’ Cards, and the provision of allowances for religious leaders of various faiths and athletes.
Additionally, the government has launched canal re-excavation projects and revived the “Notun Kuri” initiative.
During the meeting, the prime minister reminded the political leaders that the current government assumed office amidst a devastated economy and weakened institutions inherited from the previous regime.
He noted that the process of rebuilding these institutions and making the government more accessible to the public has already begun. At the start of his remarks, Fakhrul also paid tribute to the martyrs and those injured during July uprising, stating that their sacrifices provided the opportunity to restore democracy.
He characterised the meeting as a significant political milestone five months after the government’s formation, reflecting the continuity of the unity forged during the democratic struggle.
The briefing was also attended by Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly, and Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.
