United News of Bangladesh

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.

Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Minister Md Tajul Islam on Wednesday urged the mayors of all city corporations to stand beside people during all disasters, including Covid-19 pandemic.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Minister Md Tazul Islam on Saturday said there is no alternative to concerted effort of all ministries, autonomous and non-governmental organisations to tackle the deadly coronavirus.