Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the foremost challenge facing the current government is to rebuild state institutions and strengthen the democratic system. “Local government institutions will be strengthened and made corruption-free to ensure services to people’s doorsteps,” he said while speaking to reporters after taking charge of his ministry at the Secretariat here. Mirza Fakhrul, who is also the secretary general of BNP, said: “We have assumed office with a major goal. Democracy will remain at the centre of all our activities.”Referring to the existing vacancies in district councils, upazilas and municipalities, he said: “Many positions in local government institutions are currently vacant. We will try to fill these posts through the electoral process as soon as possible.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 18, 2026 14:49 UTC