Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said a “frustrated” group is trying to create instability in society.

“There is a frustrated group in the country. They remain disappointed all the time and at different times try to create instability in society,” he said while speaking at a discussion marking the 165th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore at the Rabindra Kachari Bari in Patisar village under Atrai upazila of Naogaon.

Fakhrul, also BNP Secretary General, however, did not name any specific group.

Turning to politics, he lamented that the country’s politics has not reached the desired level. “People fought repeatedly for change and sacrificed their lives, but unfortunately, real change has not come,” he added.

The minister emphasised that the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War must remain central to the national identity. “We are Bangladeshis, and that identity must come first. We did not gain independence easily. We fought for nine months to achieve freedom. Likewise, democracy was also restored through struggle,” he said.

Referring to the July uprising, he said the country’s youth fought together for change. “Our children fought together in July. We call it the July uprising. Change has come, and a new election has been held. People now have hopes from the new government,” he said.

Fakhrul alleged that “fascist forces” had pushed the country towards destruction by looting the economy, damaging the banking sector and weakening the administration.

“We reached this stage through a struggle against those actions. But many are now trying to divert this change in another direction by creating unrest over small issues. None of us wants any further instability in the country,” he said.

Speaking about Rabindranath Tagore, the minister said the poet had worked for the welfare of farmers during his visits to Patisar by establishing a bank and introducing modern farming methods.

“Rabindranath’s contribution went beyond poetry, songs, prose and drama. Through Gitanjali, he moved the entire world. He was a poet of universal humanity,” he said.

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid chaired the programme.

Among others, Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, former Ambassador M Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey and local lawmakers spoke at the event.