Md Jane Alam, Thakurgaon

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "In the last election, people were not able to vote. But in this election, people were able to vote freely. In this election, the people of the country had confidence in BNP. The people of the country had confidence in Tarique Rahman."

He made these remarks while addressing the guest of honor at a public reception organized at Kumarpur High School grounds after the inauguration of the temporary office of Bhulli Upazila Parishad in Thakurgaon on Wednesday afternoon.

The LGRD Minister said, "You cannot stay in power by intimidation, beatings and torture. To stay in power, you have to earn the trust of the people through good deeds."

He also said, "Our freedom was taken away during the previous fascist government, but now we have passed that time. Now we can breathe with a sigh of relief. They wanted to stay in power by threatening and beating us. But you cannot stay in power by threatening and beating us."

The BNP Secretary General said, "Our history should not be forgotten. The great liberation war of 1971, the language movement, and the 24-year mass uprising are not worth forgetting. Because it was through these that we gained independence."

Regarding education, he said, "Teach your children to develop their skills rather than focusing on general education. Even after passing an MA in general education, jobs are not available these days."

Addressing the leaders and activists of BNP, he said, "Coming to power means your responsibilities have increased. You should do exemplary work. Earn the trust of the people through good work. Then the organizational activities will be strengthened."

The minister said, "We have already started working on implementing the BNP's election manifesto. The government is only three months old. Within this short period, our Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken various activities for the overall development of the country and the welfare of the people."

He further said that the government has taken various initiatives for the development of Thakurgaon district. In view of the long-standing demand, Ruhiya and Bhulli have been declared as upazilas. Besides, the work of establishing a medical college, much awaited by the people of Thakurgaon, is progressing, the process of establishing a public university has started and initiatives have been taken to reopen the abandoned airport.

The minister said that various projects are being implemented as part of the district's infrastructural development, including the construction and renovation of various roads, and the development of religious institutions such as mosques, madrasas, and temples.

Also present at the time were Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Poygam Ali and others.