Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday that the upcoming presidential election will take place according to schedule, with candidates for the highest office being selected in line with party decisions.

Speaking to reporters following the inauguration of the Bangladesh Rural Development Board’s (BRDB) divisional office in the Terminal area of Rangpur city, the minister emphasized the democratic credentials of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Describing BNP as a democratic political entity, Mirza Fakhrul remarked, “Through a long struggle, our party formed the government with a two-thirds majority in parliament with the love and votes of the people.”

He pointed out that his party has been entrusted with the responsibility of governing the country on five separate occasions.

Directing criticism at political detractors, he added, “Those who call BNP a fascist either lack knowledge or have developed such a mentality.”

He also called upon the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer to carefully review his own organization’s constitution to evaluate its democratic nature.

Addressing the subject of upcoming local government polls, Mirza Fakhrul clarified that the Election Commission holds the authority to decide on educational qualification criteria for candidates.

Outlining the expected timeline, he noted, “If not by the end of this year, the local government elections will be held early next year.”

Highlighting economic measures aimed at fostering agricultural growth, the minister shared that the government has written off interest on farm loans up to BDT 10,000 to alleviate financial burdens on farmers.

He further noted that the Prime Minister has designated the maximum budget allocation for agricultural development across the Rangpur region, affirming that comprehensive measures will be implemented to transform farming into a profitable sector.

Following his media interaction, Mirza Fakhrul formally opened a rural fair held on the Rangpur Public Library premises, visited various vendor stalls, and later delivered an address at a community gathering organized at the local Shilpakala Academy.

The events were attended by prominent local and administrative figures, including Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Shamsuzzaman Samu, Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam (NDC), Rangpur Range DIG Aminul Islam, Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Ruhul Amin and Rangpur Zilla Parishad Administrator Saiful Islam, alongside government officials, employees, and BNP leaders and activists.

With Inputs from UNB