Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that attempts are being made to create new divisions in the country’s politics. Speaking on Wednesday at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh Union Parishad Chairman Member Association in Dhaka, he said that although Islam is the majority religion, all faiths must be treated equally and no religion should be demeaned. He emphasized that upcoming local government elections will be neutral and that candidates must earn public trust through service.

Fakhrul highlighted several government initiatives under the prime minister’s leadership, including the introduction of family cards for 4.1 million families, farmer cards, loan waivers up to 10,000 taka, and allowances for imams and muezzins. He said these programs aim to benefit ordinary citizens and that grassroots representatives should be involved in all development activities to strengthen the state structure.

He also criticized the Awami League, claiming it has harmed democratic institutions since 1971, and said efforts are underway to ensure that elected representatives are not unfairly dismissed and receive fair allowances.