Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives State Minister Mir Shah Alam has pledged to provide employment and lawful business opportunities to BNP activists who faced persecution during the party’s difficult years. He said eligible party members would be recognised gradually through jobs, dealership opportunities and government contracting work, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
He made the remarks on 24 September at a cheque distribution ceremony for families affected by flooding in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram.
Addressing the gathering, Mir Shah Alam assured BNP activists that their contributions and sacrifices would be taken into consideration. He stressed that opportunities would be provided in phases and within the boundaries of the law.
“I promise that all BNP activists who stood by the party during its difficult times will be recognised, Insha’Allah. You will get jobs, lawful dealership opportunities, opportunities to work and lawful contracting opportunities. Those who faced persecution while serving the party will be recognised gradually, in accordance with the law and regulations,” he said.
His remarks highlighted employment and economic opportunities as potential forms of recognition for party activists who remained committed during periods of political hardship. However, he did not specify the number or types of jobs that might be offered, the sectors in which dealership opportunities would be available, or the procedures through which party members could access contracting work.
The minister’s emphasis on compliance with legal requirements also leaves questions about the eligibility criteria, selection process and implementation timetable unanswered. No detailed framework for delivering these opportunities was announced at the event.
Family Cards to Be Distributed Gradually
Mir Shah Alam also addressed concerns surrounding the distribution of family cards, assuring attendees that recipients would not need to pay bribes to obtain them.
He said the cards would be distributed to everyone eligible in phases and urged people not to make illicit payments to secure access to the scheme.
“To make it absolutely clear, there is no need to pay anyone a bribe for a family card. Everyone will receive one gradually,” he said.
Family assistance schemes are intended to support households through organised benefit-distribution mechanisms. Ensuring transparent selection, clear eligibility requirements and fair access is essential to maintaining public confidence in such initiatives. The minister’s remarks stressed that obtaining a family card should not depend on paying unofficial fees.
However, he did not provide details about the application process, the criteria for selecting beneficiaries or the expected schedule for distribution. The extent and timing of implementation therefore remain unclear based on the information announced at the ceremony.
Officials and Party Leaders Attend Ceremony
The cheque distribution event was held on the premises of Baharchhara Union Parishad in Banshkhali, Chattogram. Among those present were Mohammad Enamul Haque, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-12; Mahabuber Rahman Shamim, administrator of the Chattogram District Council; and Mohammad Zakaria, Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office. BNP leaders and activists from various levels of the party also attended.
The programme brought together the distribution of financial assistance to flood-affected families and the minister’s assurances concerning employment, business opportunities and family cards.
While his statements outlined the government’s intended approach to recognising party activists and providing social assistance, the practical details of implementation have yet to be clarified. The selection process, applicable eligibility requirements and delivery schedules will be important in determining how the commitments are translated into concrete opportunities and benefits.
