Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the government will arrange elections to local government bodies as soon as possible.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at his office at the ministry on Wednesday, February 18, his first working day after assuming office in the new government.
Responding to a question about the absence of elected representatives in district councils, upazila councils, municipalities and union councils, the minister said, “We will arrange elections in these as soon as possible. It is not possible in a day, but we are trying to proceed immediately.”
Asked about the challenges facing the government, he said, “We have come with a challenge—the challenge is to build the nation. Our Prime Minister, who is leading us now, said the first thing for Bangladesh was, ‘I have a plan.’ He formed his cabinet to implement that plan. The cabinet will implement it, try to solve the problems of the people and take Bangladesh forward.”
Emphasising democracy, the BNP secretary general said it remains the government’s “main ingredient” in all activities. “Especially the Local Government Ministry—it has a direct relationship with the people at the grassroots. I have an advantage as I was involved in local government once,” he said, adding that he aims to make the ministry more dynamic and responsive to public concerns.
On the country’s law and order situation, economy and foreign policy, Mirza Fakhrul said the situation is not as dire as portrayed. “Our law and order situation has improved a lot. Macroeconomic stability has returned to a large extent. Banks have come under control—they were in disarray. With everyone’s concerted efforts, we believe we can improve further,” he said.
Regarding incidents of mob justice over the past one and a half years, he said the government would work to bring the situation under control. “We have gone through a major storm—a revolution, a rebellion, a mass uprising. There is no reason to expect that everything will be perfect immediately,” he said.
He noted that the country had passed one and a half years under an interim government, which eventually held elections leading to the formation of an elected government. “That is a big achievement,” he said.
When asked whether the election held without the participation of the Awami League was inclusive, he said, “Nationally and internationally, it has been described as an inclusive election. That is why it is acceptable to all.”
On the government’s position regarding the Awami League, the minister said a political decision would be communicated later, following internal discussions.
Responding to a question about publishing a white paper on the activities of the interim government, Mirza Fakhrul said it was unnecessary. “They assumed responsibility at a special moment. I think – and my party also believes – they were able to carry out most of the necessary tasks. The main issue was the transition to democracy, and they accomplished that. They deserve credit and have done a very good job,” he added.