LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that efforts will be made to institutionalise democracy through timely local government elections.

“The elections will be held in due time. We have said this before. Through these elections, steps will be taken to institutionalise democracy,” Fakhrul told reporters while visiting his hometown, Thakurgaon.

This is Fakhrul’s first visit to his home district since taking oath as minister.

He arrived in Thakurgaon on a two-day trip and reached his residence in the Kalibari area of the district town around 1:00pm.

Upon arrival, leaders, activists, supporters, and people from different walks of life greeted him with flowers. He also received a guard of honour.

Earlier, locals and party supporters welcomed him with bouquets at the district entrance, at the Unotrish Mile point on the Dinajpur-Panchagarh highway under his constituency, Thakurgaon-1.

After Jummah prayers at the mosque of Hajipara Hafizia Madrasa in the town, Fakhrul laid the foundation stone of a multi-storey building for the madrasa and its Lillah Boarding facility.

Speaking to journalists, he also said, “I am personally indebted to the people of Thakurgaon. They have always supported me.”

District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Poygam Ali, and Municipal BNP President Shariful Islam Sharif, among other leaders, were present at the event.