United News of Bangladesh

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday urged people to remain vigilant against any attempts to destabilise the country. “A vested quarter is trying to create unrest at a time when the government has begun implementing its agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. We are moving forward under his leadership. You must remain alert so that we are not misled again while working to rebuild the nation,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing a large civic reception organised by residents of the newly formed Ruhia upazila at Ruhia High School ground in Thakurgaon as the chief guest. Expressing concern over growing drug addiction among young people, he called for a social movement against narcotics. “It is painful to see many of our youths becoming addicted to drugs. Drug abuse can destroy a nation. We must free ourselves from this menace. I urge our young people to stay away from drugs and build a social movement against addiction,” he said. “We assumed responsibility amid many difficulties. We are grateful to people for their trust and support. I thank people of all faiths—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians—whose support has enabled me to serve,” he said. Referring to what he described as a positive development for Bangladesh, Fakhrul said the country has achieved a rare honour under Tarique Rahman’s leadership through its election to a key position at the United Nations General Assembly. He said Bangladesh would continue working to address its challenges though solutions would not come overnight.“You will have to be patient. We are trying to solve all problems step by step,” he said. Highlighting the government's initiatives, Fakhrul said the administration, which has been in office for only three months, has already begun implementing several commitments made by Tarique Rahman. “We have launched the Family Card programme, started work on the Farmer Card initiative and initiated canal excavation projects. We are trying to fulfil every commitment that was made,” he said.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said Ziaur Rahman and Bangladesh are inseparable, adding that the country's Liberation War began with Zia’s declaration of independence and that he later played a pivotal role in rebuilding the nation. “Ziaur Rahman and Bangladesh are inseparable. They cannot be separated. Through Ziaur Rahman’s declaration, the Liberation War of Bangladesh began and through that war Bangladesh emerged as a new state before the world,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while presiding over a discussion at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. He said that after independence, people placed their trust in Ziaur Rahman and turned to him when they were searching for new leadership. “As an expression of the people’s confidence in him, he was entrusted with the responsibility of rebuilding the country through a soldiers-and-people revolution. The first phase was the struggle for independence and the second was the reconstruction of the nation,” Fakhrul said. Describing Ziaur Rahman’s emergence as a remarkable phenomenon, Fakhrul said the BNP founder appeared before the nation at critical moments of history. “It may be called a miraculous event that at every crucial moment this man emerged. In 1971, when people were confused and directionless, Major Zia’s call awakened the nation,” he said. “Again in 1975, when the country was in a similar situation, Major General Zia once more awakened and united the nation,” he added. Fakhrul highlighted various initiatives taken under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership, including post-war reconstruction, the promotion of Bangladeshi nationalism, the formation of what he described as a cabinet consisting of the country’s most capable individuals, the introduction of multi-party democracy, national unity and various economic reforms. Referring to ongoing political discussions about reforms, Fakhrul said BNP itself had introduced major reforms in the country. “Nowadays a political force talks only about reforms. They say we do not believe in reforms or implement reforms. But BNP itself gave birth to reforms,” he said. He said Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy after a one-party system of governance and carried out fundamental changes in the political structure of the country. “He ensured freedom of the media, judicial independence and established democratic institutions. These were major reforms and fundamental transformations,” Fakhrul said. The programme was moderated by BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku. Among others, BNP Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Selima Rahman and Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Dhaka North BNP Convener Aminul Haque, Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Jilani, Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Moni and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib spoke at the event. Economist Professor Mahbub Ullah, University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed, National University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Md Lutfor Rahman and Bangladesh Open University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dil Rowshan Jinnat Ara Naznin also spoke, highlighting different aspects of Ziaur Rahman’s life and contributions. The programme began with a one-minute silence in memory of Ziaur Rahman, followed by prayers seeking eternal peace for his departed soul.  

Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday outlined a comprehensive action plan in Parliament for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) to tackle waterlogging and mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, ahead of the monsoon season. Responding to a tabled question from BNP lawmaker Md Abul Kalam, the minister said the strategies emphasise strengthened surveillance, public participation and modern pest control methods. He said the DNCC has taken steps like control of Culex mosquitoes during the pre-monsoon season (March-May) and Aedes mosquitoes during the monsoon season, identification of risky areas and integrated mosquito control activities, strengthening the surveillance system and increasing public awareness and public involvement. It has also undertaken necessary coordination with relevant government institutions to strengthen mosquito control efforts. These measures include morning larviciding, removal and destruction of mosquito breeding grounds, and evening fogging operations aimed at eradicating Culex mosquitoes. Joint mosquito control drives are being conducted in high-risk hotspots such as closed canals, drains, and sewers. Additionally, the DNCC has cleaned approximately 6,000 bighas of water bodies across its jurisdiction. Under the slogan “Saturday’s Promise: Let’s Clean Our Own Homes,” the DNCC is conducting weekly cleanliness drives in 25 high-risk wards every Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00pm, based on guidance from the Directorate General of Health Services and the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research. These activities are ongoing in accordance with the established work plan. Fakhrul stated that the DNCC is also focusing on raising public awareness about dengue and eliminating mosquito breeding sites in vulnerable areas. As part of this initiative, a special initiative titled “Operation Clean Home: Healthy Lives” is being implemented in 25 dengue-prone wards from April 8, with activities continuing as planned. Furthermore, through hospital surveillance, the city corporation is collecting the residential addresses of dengue patients and deploying Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to carry out targeted mosquito control measures at those locations. This activity has been in operation since April 21, 2026. In addition to the chemical pesticides currently used, the more effective organic pesticide Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) is under the procurement process after trial application. To verify the quality of pesticides used by DNCC, pesticide testing activities are ongoing on a random basis by five reputable government/private organisations. New stickers/leaflets, booklets are being prepared for public awareness and public involvement, which are ongoing. Provision of precautionary bulk SMS during the monsoon season and OTV school promotion activities are also ongoing. The proper use of pesticides has been ensured as per the guidelines of the Technical Committee of the Local Government Division and the effectiveness is being tested regularly. Steps taken by DSCC As part of the waterlogging and dengue control activities during the upcoming monsoon season, the DSCC is conducting special cleaning and mosquito extermination campaigns every week in every area by involving the local people. In addition to waste management, mosquito repellent spraying activities are continuing every morning and evening to control dengue. Moreover, a monitoring team has been formed with officers to control mosquitoes in the DSCC areas. Under the supervision of the monitoring team, a special crash programme is being conducted by identifying risky places. Mobile court drives are being conducted in risky places to control dengue and fines are being imposed if necessary. Leaflet distribution/miking activities are underway in various educational institutions, religious establishments, markets, etc. to increase public awareness. In addition, publicity in this regard is continuing in print and electronic media. To reduce waterlogging during the season, cleaning activities are underway by identifying hotspots under short-term activities. Segunbagicha box culvert, Zia Sarani and Kajla canal cleaning activities are already being implemented. Cleaning work of other canals, box-culverts and sewers will be implemented in phases. Six portable pumps have already been purchased to remove rainwater from waterlogging areas quickly. Currently, water from the DSCC areas is being drained through three outlets. Activities to construct one more outlet are underway and a plan has been taken to construct one new outlet (large sewer) from Gulistan to Sadarghat section with World Bank funding. A plan has been taken to construct the required number of outlets after conducting a survey and feasibility study by engaging a consulting firm. If the overall action plan is implemented, waterlogging will be reduced in the upcoming monsoon season. It is hoped that it will be possible to control dengue, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases, the minister said.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday told Parliament that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) continues its investigation into alleged anomalies in the Tk 3,825-crore Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) project. “A project was implemented for the period of July 2018 to June 2024 at an estimated cost of Tk 3825.34 crore for procurement of 1.5 lakh EVMs under the Election Commission Secretariat,” he said. The minister said this, replying to a scripted question from treasury bench lawmaker Md. Shamsur Rahman Simul Biswas (Pabna-5). Earlier, the parliamentary session resumed at 3:00pm with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair. The LGRD Minister said The EVM project was completed in June, 2024 and the Project Completion Report (PCR) was sent to the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division on May 13, 2025, but the evaluation report has not been received till date, he said “Audit objections regarding the EVM project have been raised by the audit directorate, which have not been resolved yet. An investigation is underway under the Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the project,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul Islam said the Election Commission at a meeting on July 10, 2025 decided that EVMs will not be used in any national and local level elections. Currently, the EVMs are stored in various godowns, Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF) and the basement of the Election Commission Secretariat, he said.  

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said there is no fuel shortage in the country and the current situation has been artificially created by some people involved in unethical business practices. “There is no fuel crisis in the country. However, some people are creating this situation through unethical business activities,” he said while addressing a programme in Thakurgaon. He made the remarks at a function organised by the district administration at Mirza Ruhul Amin Auditorium, where relief and development assistance were distributed. Mirza Fakhrul alleged that profiteering and black-market trading of fuel are behind the perceived shortage, adding that such practices are harmful to the nation’s economy and must be stopped. He also said that instructions have been given to take strict action against those involved in fuel-related irregularities. Referring to farmers, he said agricultural producers continue to suffer losses, particularly in potato cultivation, as they are not getting fair prices and even failing to recover production costs. Fuel price hike not to stoke inflation: Minister The Minister said steps are being taken to support farmers, including issuing farmer cards and establishing agricultural zones and cold storage facilities to help preserve produce. He added that new development plans are being implemented under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, expressing hope for economic strengthening in the coming days. Later, the programme distributed assistance including tin sheets and cash support to families affected by storms and hailstorms, along with funding for various religious and social institutions. The programme was also attended by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Additional Superintendent of Thakurgaon Police Mohammad Khoda Dad, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khazrul Alam, district BNP President Mirza Foysal Amin, Sadar Thana BNP President Abdul Hamid, Municipal BNP President Shariful Islam Sharif, among other leaders.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the attack on Iran as “horrible.” “We are living in very difficult and unstable times. There is a terrible lack of morality in world politics,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul, also Secretary General of the BNP, made the remarks at the first death anniversary of BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Professor Shahida Rafique, held at the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) auditorium in Dhanmondi on Monday afternoon. BNP sweeps Thakurgaon as Fakhrul praises peaceful polls He said, “Interfering with the sovereignty of a country without reason, killing the head of the state, and detaining its president in prison… this is a terrible situation.” Mirza Fakhrul added, “We, who have grown up in a democratic system, have always valued human rights, democracy, and the independence of every country. We are deeply concerned about what is happening around the world. Yet in Bangladesh, thanks to Allah, the people are still taking the right decisions despite the instability.” Paying tribute to Professor Shahida Rafique, he said, “She always spoke the truth. She faced many challenges but never gave up. I am sad that when there is a chance for better days, she is no longer with us.” Professor Shahida Rafique, former Dean of Dhaka University and founding chairman of the Institute of Science and Technology, passed away on 2 March last year. Referring to the country’s challenges, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We have a long way to go. Over the past 17–18 years, fascist forces have destroyed many institutions, especially the education system. “We need to rebuild our institutions, strengthen human rights, good governance, the rule of law, and the welfare state. Only then can we honour the work and wishes of Dr Shahida,” he added. He also expressed his continued support for the institution founded by Professor Shahida Rafique.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, in which 74 people, including 57 army officers, were killed, remains a shameful and dark chapter in the nation’s history. “By killing 57 army officers, there was a plot to break the morale of the Bangladesh Army and, at the same time, the spirit of the nation,” he said. Local government elections to be held ‘in due time’: Fakhrul Fakhrul, also BNP Secretary General, made the remarks after paying tribute at the graves of the 57 army officers at Banani Military Graveyard, marking ‘Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas’ (National Martyred Army Day). The minister said there had been a deep conspiracy on that day to destroy the country’s security system. He said that by the grace of Allah, the people of Bangladesh had stood up to protect the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy. “Today, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has a great opportunity to strengthen independence and sovereignty and to establish democracy by taking responsibility for running the state,” Fakhrul said. BNP’s Nayapaltan office springs back to life with Fakhrul’s visit He said the BNP’s main goal is to build Bangladesh as a democratic state, ensure equal rights for all, and guarantee justice through an impartial investigation into the killings. “We demand a proper and impartial investigation into this heinous crime and that those responsible be brought to justice,” the minister added. Fakhrul also prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs. Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, retired Lt Colonel Kamruzzaman, retired Major Mizanur Rahman, retired Major Siddiqur Rahman, retired Squadron Leader Zahid Hossain, JAGPA Chairman Khandaker Lutfur Rahman, Rakir Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of former BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, and BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan were, among others, present.

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. Ekushey now free, opens path to democratic Bangladesh: Fakhrul 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.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said they have decided that BNP MPs will not take any duty-free car. “We have also decided that no government plot will be taken by our MPs,” he told reporters after the first meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party (BNP) held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. BPP on Tuesday unanimously elected party Chairman Tarique Rahman as the Leader of the House. This means Tarique Rahman is set to form the new government as Prime Minister. The ministers are scheduled to take oath at the South Plaza of Parliament at 4pm. Fakhrul described it as a historic moment, saying that after a long period marked by repression, destruction of democracy and making parliament ineffective, the country has finally got a parliament through a credible election, achieved through the sacrifices of many people. “With a majority in parliament, we have elected our young leader Tarique Rahman as the leader of the parliamentary party,” he said. Earlier the newly elected BNP MPs were sworn in at the oath-taking room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.  Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath. The 13th parliamentary election was held on February 12.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said their party’s next government will face major challenges in keeping law and order, fighting corruption and boosting the economy. “The biggest challenges for the next government will be to get the economy moving, maintain law and order, control corruption, and ensure justice. These are the challenges,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters outside the international terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from his electoral area in Thakurgaon. He said the BNP, having won a majority of seats in the 13th parliamentary election, will form the next government under the leadership of party Chairman Tarique Rahman. According to unofficial results, BNP won 209 out of 299 seats. ‘Joy and sadness together’ Commenting on the election results, Fakhrul described the moment as both joyous and sad. “One part is joy, another part is sadness. Our late chairperson and national leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, could not see this unprecedented victory, which is very sad,” he said.