Government committed to fulfilling election promises: Mirza Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has pledged that the government will work firmly to implement the promises made during the election.

He said fulfilling the commitments announced by the party chairman and Prime Minister is the administration’s primary focus.

Speaking to reporters at his office at Secretariate on Wednesday (February 18), during his first day in office, the minister emphasised the government’s dedication to delivering on its electoral pledges. "The foremost challenge facing the government is nation-building, guided by the Prime Minister’s roadmap for Bangladesh.," he said.

Responding to questions from reporters, Fakhrul said the government assumed office with clear challenges, chief among them rebuilding the nation. “Our Prime Minister has a plan for Bangladesh. The cabinet has been formed to implement that plan, address people’s problems and move the country forward,” he said.

He emphasised that democracy would remain the central pillar of the government’s approach. “Democracy is our main ingredient. It will be reflected in everything we do,” he said, adding that the Local Government Ministry works directly with grassroots communities. Drawing on his previous experience in local government, Fakhrul expressed confidence in transforming the ministry into a dynamic institution capable of effectively addressing public concerns.

On concerns over law and order, the economy and foreign policy being described as fragile, the minister rejected the characterization. He said the law and order situation has improved compared to the past, while macroeconomic stability has largely returned. “The banking sector is now under much greater control. These sectors had been severely disrupted, but through coordinated efforts we can further strengthen them,” he said.

Addressing questions about incidents of mob justice over the past year and a half, Fakhrul acknowledged the issue and said it must be brought under control. He noted that the country had gone through a major upheaval, including a revolution and mass uprising, and cautioned against expecting immediate normalisation. “After operating under an interim government for over a year, a national election has been held and an elected government formed. That itself is a significant achievement,” he said.

On whether the election was inclusive without the participation of the Awami League, Fakhrul said both national and international observers have described it as inclusive and acceptable. “It is precisely because it was inclusive that it has gained broad acceptance,” he said.

Regarding the government’s position on the Awami League, the minister said a political decision would be communicated later following internal discussions.

When asked whether a white paper would be published on the activities of the interim government, Fakhrul said it was unnecessary. He said the interim administration assumed responsibility at a critical juncture and delivered on the key task of transitioning the country back to democracy. “They deserve credit for what they have accomplished,” he added.

Mirza Fakhrul took oath as the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister on Tuesday evening.