Dhaka: The presidential election will proceed as scheduled, with candidates to be nominated based on the party’s decision, announced LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He addressed the media after inaugurating the divisional office of the Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB) in Rangpur’s Terminal area.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Mirza Fakhrul emphasized the democratic principles of the BNP, highlighting the party’s historical governance achievements, including forming a government with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. He defended the BNP against accusations of fascism, attributing such claims to either a lack of knowledge or biased mentalities.

The minister also urged the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer to evaluate their party’s democratic principles by reviewing their constitution. On local government elections, he stated that the Election Commission would decide on candidates’ educational qualifications and mentioned that these elections would occur by early next year if not by the end of this year.

Mirza Fakhrul announced a government initiative to waive interest on agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000, aiming to bolster agricultural development. He shared that the Prime Minister has committed to maximum funding for agriculture in the Rangpur region, with plans to ensure its profitability.

Following his speech, Mirza Fakhrul inaugurated a rural fair at the Rangpur Public Library grounds, explored various stalls, and participated in a community meeting at the Shilpakala Academy. The event was attended by notable figures including Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Shamsuzzaman Samu, Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam (NDC), Rangpur Range DIG Aminul Islam, and others from the government and BNP leadership.