Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the party never bowed to fascist regime despite enduring 17 years of political struggle, repression and imprisonment.
He made the remarks while addressing a public awareness programme titled Alokito Lalmonirhat (Enlightened Lalmonirhat) as the chief guest at MT Hossain Ground in Lalmonirhat town.
“We have fought against fascism for 17 years. We have endured torture, given our lives and suffered imprisonment, yet we did not bow our heads,” he said, adding that victory had been achieved under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman.
Highlighting the need for social reform, Fakhrul called for a united stand against social vices, particularly drug abuse, which he said was destroying the younger generation.
He expressed hope that the social movement initiated in Lalmonirhat under the leadership of Asadul Habib Dulu would spread nationwide to combat drugs, dowry and gambling.
Referring to regional development, the minister pledged that the Teesta Mega Plan would be implemented “at any cost”.
“This will open a new horizon for the people living along the Teesta riverbanks,” he said, adding that a prosperous nation could only be built by curbing social crimes.
Fakhrul also highlighted ongoing government welfare programmes, including Family Cards and Farmers’ Cards, as part of efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods.
He further noted that allowances and salaries for imams and muezzins have already been introduced under broader economic development initiatives.
The programme was presided over by Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Rashedul Huq Prodhan.
Asadul Habib Dulu, Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation and chief patron of the Alokito Lalmonirhat movement, presented the keynote paper.
Other attendees included Women, Children and Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, MPs Rokon Uddin Babul and Hasan Rajib Prodhan, Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman, and District Council Administrator AKM Mominul Haque.
The programme ended with a colourful procession led by ministers and lawmakers, which marched through the town from MT Hossain Field to Mission Mor.
