Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general and the local government minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said that preparations were under way to hold local government elections, including city corporation polls, within this year.
At an informal discussion with reporters at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the specific date for the local government elections had yet to be finalised, but his ministry would inform the Election Commission once a decision was taken, with voting expected as soon as possible.
Responding to concerns over partisan appointments across public institutions, Fakhrul said that such criticism was expected under a political government.
He maintained that individuals deemed most suitable had been selected, while saying that the administration was not overly concerned by the debate.
Fakhrul also identified stabilising the economy as the government’s most pressing challenge, as he defended early policy moves and addressed criticisms over political appointments during the informal briefing.
The BNP secretary general also said that restoring economic health and steering it onto a sustainable path would define the administration’s immediate priorities.
Policy adjustments following a change in central bank leadership had already begun to yield results, with small businesses regaining access to credit and economic activity showing early signs of recovery, he also said.
Fakhrul argued that the country’s large population remained a key economic advantage, driving consumption and growth if purchasing power could be strengthened.
On the political front, he pointed to attempts by fallen authoritarian forces to reorganise, alongside continued pressure from opposition parties within parliament.
Fakhrul stressed that democratic practice required tolerance of dissent, including debate, protest and parliamentary walkouts.
Addressing calls for constitutional reform, Fakhrul said that his party remained fully committed to agreed provisions, but would not accept conditions imposed unilaterally.
He emphasised that unresolved issues should be debated in parliament, describing open discussion as essential to an effective legislature.
On law and order and corruption—two key pledges—he said that there had been no major incidents in the past month and highlighted steps towards reconstituting the anti-corruption framework, with a new commission expected.
The government, Fakhrul said, was pursuing a policy of zero tolerance, though he likened tackling corruption to a long-term process requiring sustained effort.
The minister also defended recent appointments in universities and public administration, saying those selected were academically and administratively qualified.
Institutional reforms, he said, remained central to the government’s agenda, with efforts under way to rebuild weakened state bodies and introduce structural changes.
On economic management, he expressed confidence that funding arrangements for public welfare projects had been carefully planned, including revenue mobilisation and savings measures.
Touching on foreign policy, Fakhrul reiterated Bangladesh’s stance of maintaining friendly relations with all countries while safeguarding national interests.
He also defended press freedom, claiming that media outlets were operating without undue pressure and that criticism of the government remained unrestricted.
Highlighting broader economic concerns, he said that unemployment—particularly among educated youth—remained a significant challenge, requiring expansion of industry and income generation.
Initiatives, such as, agro-based industrial development in northern regions were under consideration to boost job creation, the minister added.
Reviewing the government’s first month in office, Fakhrul cited progress on campaign pledges, including pilot programmes for family support cards, agricultural loan waivers and canal excavation projects.
He also pointed to external pressures, including rising global oil prices linked to the Iran conflict, but said that the government had managed the situation without major domestic disruption.
Overall, Fakhrul described the administration’s early performance as positive, while acknowledging that deeper structural reforms would take time to deliver tangible results.
