Local Elections to Be Held Promptly: Mirza Fakhrul

Newly appointed Minister for Local Government, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has pledged that elections for municipalities, city corporations, and upazilas will be arranged as swiftly as possible. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday morning (18 February) following his formal assumption of office at the Secretariat, he emphasised the government’s commitment to timely and transparent local elections.

Minister Fakhrul stated that he has taken office with the challenge of nation-building in mind. “Our focus is to address the problems faced by ordinary citizens,” he said. He added that the Cabinet would prioritise initiatives aimed at improving governance and delivering public services efficiently.

He also highlighted ongoing concerns regarding law and order, particularly incidents of mob violence that have occurred recently. “We must take further steps to restore law and order and prevent any deterioration of public safety,” he remarked.

With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, the minister indicated that the government would closely monitor commodity prices and take measures to ensure affordability and market stability. He said, “The Cabinet will discuss strategies to keep essential goods accessible and to protect the public from sudden price hikes.”

The key priorities outlined by Minister Fakhrul can be summarised as follows:

The minister emphasised that the Cabinet would pursue policies that directly impact citizens’ daily lives, ensuring that government initiatives are both effective and accessible. This includes measures to enhance administrative efficiency at the local level and strengthen accountability within the local government framework.

Observers note that Mirza Fakhrul’s appointment comes at a time when local governance faces several challenges, including administrative delays and public dissatisfaction with service delivery. His pledge for swift elections and proactive policy measures signals the government’s intent to reinforce democratic processes and improve citizen engagement.

By prioritising electoral processes, law and order, and market stability, the new minister seeks to instil confidence in both governance and public institutions. His statements reflect a strategic approach to strengthen local administration while responding to immediate social and economic concerns.