Delivering a stern message to the country’s engineers, LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said people are no longer as simple as before and will not tolerate corruption or any wrongdoing by those in authority.

He made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the 78th founding anniversary of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) and a reception for engineer members of the 13th parliament at the IEB auditorium in Dhaka’s Ramna area as the chief guest.

Referring to the aftermath of the July uprising, Fakhrul said a new consciousness has emerged among the people, who now aspire to build a new and free Bangladesh.

“They no longer want to see the old Bangladesh marked by corruption, enforced disappearances and repression,” he said.

Alleging widespread corruption in development projects during the previous government’s tenure, he said, “We often see reports in newspapers about projects worth Tk 3500 crore in a district where no actual work has been done. These matters must be handled with utmost caution.”