Mirza Fakhrul dismisses 'becoming president' reports as 'rumour'

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has dismissed media reports suggesting he is set to become the next president, calling them "rumour."

Speaking to journalists after an anti-drug meeting at the Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner's office on Tuesday (July 28), he said the news about him becoming president is a "rumour."

Emphasising the need for social awareness to combat drugs, Mirza Fakhrul said an anti-drug campaign has been launched in Thakurgaon involving the district administration, police, educational institutions, political parties and the media. The government wants to turn this into a social movement.

He said drugs cannot be eliminated through laws and punishment alone. Social awareness must be created. He expressed confidence that the steps taken in Thakurgaon would yield positive results.

Seeking media cooperation, the Local Government Minister said the media must play a positive role in creating public awareness by highlighting the harmful effects of drugs.