The central office of the ruling BNP at Nayapaltan became lively again on Monday, as its leaders and activists gathered there during a visit by party Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

The office remained almost empty for the past six days after the new government was formed on February 17.

But the situation changed in the morning as news spread that Fakhrul would come to the office.

Leaders, activists and supporters started arriving early morning, creating a busy and cheerful atmosphere.

Fakhrul reached the party office around 10:30 am 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 was the first time Fakhrul visited the Nayapaltan office after the 13th parliamentary election.

Officials and employees said the central office remained almost empty in recent days, with very few leaders or activists visiting, and staff members having little work to do.

On Monday, however, the scene was different, as staff members looked happy and the briefing room was cleaned and prepared for the day’s activities.

BNP office official Rezaul Karim said they were ready in the morning for the Secretary General’s visit. “We feel good that Sir has come,” he said.

An employee named Azad said the office was nearly empty over the past few days. “Today many people have come. They are chanting slogans and the office feels alive again.”

During his visit, Fakhrul asked the assistant office secretaries and staff to attend the office regularly.

He enquired about their work and told them not to leave any task pending.

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The BNP Secretary General also asked them to assist party leaders and activists coming from different parts of the country and said there should be no negligence in their duties.

After staying at the office for about 45 minutes, Fakhrul, also the Local Government, Rural Development and Co‑operatives Minister, left for the Secretariat.