Minister orders stronger field-level coordination in three northern districts

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam has directed government agencies in Kurigram, Gaibandha and Rangpur to strengthen coordination to improve law and order, curb drugs and gambling, prevent corruption and ensure good governance, transparency and accountability.

He issued the directive at a meeting at the Secretariat on Monday (August 31), days after the Cabinet Division assigned him responsibility for coordinating and overseeing government activities in the three districts.

The meeting reviewed law and order, drug and gambling control, river erosion, electricity, healthcare, food and fertiliser supplies and other public-interest issues.

Shahe Alam called for closer coordination among field-level offices and instructed officials to promptly report any urgent or public-interest matter to higher authorities.

He also advised deputy commissioners to regularly visit all upazilas. For Kurigram, he directed authorities to involve representatives from neighbouring Jamalpur and Lalmonirhat in coordination efforts on law and order.

Officials said regular anti-drug drives are being conducted alongside community policing and awareness programmes involving religious institutions, educational establishments and local community leaders. Legal action against gambling is also being taken under the Gambling Prevention Act 2026, including through mobile courts where necessary.

The meeting also stressed countering rumours through public awareness and the rapid dissemination of verified information. Officials discussed measures to address river erosion, identify local problems quickly and improve the implementation of canal excavation projects.

On fertiliser supplies, the state minister instructed officials to ensure farmers receive fertiliser on time and prevent any artificial shortage. He also called for effective involvement of district and upazila committees in promptly filling vacant fertiliser dealer positions under the Integrated Policy on Fertiliser Dealer Appointment and Distribution 2026.

Shahe Alam also stressed better waste management and cleanliness, urging local administrations, elected representatives and relevant agencies to take greater responsibility.

He said coordinated efforts would accelerate development and improve public services, adding that he would visit the three districts to assess development projects and public services on the ground.