State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam stated that he is not a friend of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, describing himself instead as an ordinary worker of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Speaking at a dialogue with the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) in Dhaka on Thursday, he explained that his interactions with the Prime Minister stemmed from his responsibilities in the Bogura district BNP and his role as an elected representative.

Addressing recent media reports that described him as a friend of the Prime Minister, Alam said his connection with Tarique Rahman is limited to political and regional familiarity. He emphasized that their relationship is not personal, noting their age difference and distinct backgrounds. Alam added that such portrayals could be misunderstood by the public and his family.

He urged journalists to refrain from presenting him as a friend of the Prime Minister and requested awareness to prevent further misrepresentation of his relationship with Tarique Rahman.