LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the government would give priority to merit over lobbying in all sectors.

“Believe me, from 9:00am to midnight, people keep coming with lobbying requests. Most of these are about postings and transfers,” the local government minister said while speaking briefly at an iftar programme organised by the Thakurgaon District Association at the Krishibid Institution auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate in the afternoon.

Fakhrul said some matters need attention and would be addressed when necessary, but giving them the highest priority would create problems.

He added that the government would implement several development initiatives in Thakurgaon, including establishing a university, constructing four‑lane roads, improving infrastructure, and enhancing living standards.

Fakhrul noted that many young people spend their time looking for jobs, but employment cannot be created that way.

“Our young people keep moving around looking for jobs. Jobs cannot be found this way... We must create self‑employment, make investments, and work with small initiatives,” he said.

“We must give priority to merit,” he added.

He also criticised divisions created in the name of associations and urged everyone to work together.