Government Working to Strengthen Democracy and Rebuild the Economy: Mirza Fakhrul
Published : 01:50, 25 July 2026
BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the government is committed to building a democratic, inclusive, and exploitation-free Bangladesh by strengthening democratic institutions, rebuilding the economy, and improving people's quality of life.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the Bengal Delta Conference 2026, organized by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (DIRA) at a hotel in the capital on Saturday. The conference was held under the theme "Bangladesh and a Changing World: Uncharted Times, Emerging Orders, and the Politics of Care."
Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh is passing through a critical period of transformation, where the aspirations for democratic restoration, political change, and the student-led public movement have created new opportunities for the country's future.
Paying tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, he also honored those who sacrificed their lives during the 2024 movement for the restoration of democracy.
Describing himself as a grassroots politician rather than a professional analyst, he said his understanding of the country's political landscape and public expectations has been shaped by decades of political activism and participation in movements against authoritarian rule.
Addressing the economy, the minister said Bangladesh has been affected by global instability, including the Russia–Ukraine war and tensions between Iran and the United States. He added that years of corruption, illicit financial outflows, and economic mismanagement have placed significant pressure on the national economy.
Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that Bangladesh would recover by harnessing the strength of its people and emerging economic opportunities.
He said the government is implementing initiatives to rebuild the economy, attract domestic and foreign investment, generate employment, and strengthen the banking sector. Development programs are also being undertaken to accelerate growth in the rural economy.
The minister further noted that the government is placing special emphasis on industrial development, agricultural progress, and the expansion of the creative economy. He said the latest national budget includes several measures aimed at encouraging investment and industrialization.
On democratic reforms, Mirza Fakhrul said efforts are underway to build political consensus on constitutional reforms through dialogue among political parties, emphasizing that strong and accountable institutions are essential for ensuring sustainable democracy.
Highlighting the importance of regional and international cooperation, he said Bangladesh must deepen engagement with global partners to sustain economic growth and development.
The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, diplomats, development experts, business leaders, and representatives of civil society from Bangladesh and abroad.
