Gaibandha, Oct 01 (V7N)- State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam has questioned the previous government’s claims of extensive development over the past 20 years, saying that many areas of the country still lack adequate roads, bridges, drainage systems and access to clean water.

He made the remarks during an exchange of views with journalists at Gaibandha Circuit House on Thursday morning (October 1).

“Wherever I go, there are no roads, no bridges, no drainage systems and no clean water. So, what is development?” the State Minister said.

Claiming that Bangladesh had made progress under BNP leadership at different times, Shahe Alam said the party had helped the country recover whenever it had faced difficulties. He said martyred President Ziaur Rahman took responsibility for the country’s economy and agriculture after 1975, while development continued after Khaleda Zia assumed office in 1991 and again after 2001.

Referring to the BNP’s return to power following a prolonged movement, the State Minister said the government had been in office for the past seven months.

“We cannot guarantee heaven to the people of the country, but we can guarantee development. The government will do whatever is necessary for the country’s development,” he said.

Shahe Alam claimed that Gaibandha had been deprived of development for a long time. He attributed the district’s lack of desired progress to elections that he described as uncontested, conducted through alleged daytime and nighttime voting, and held using dummy candidates.

He pledged to work for the district’s overall development, particularly in agriculture, river erosion prevention and improving law and order.

Regarding the energy crisis, the State Minister said the government was working to address problems related to gas and electricity. He added that the government was considering solar power generation and had already allocated funds for introducing solar energy at various institutions, including union parishad offices.

On local government elections, Shahe Alam said the Election Commission intended to begin the polls in January 2027 and complete them by June. He said the government would provide all necessary support to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.

However, he said the government would not take responsibility for any scandals or irregularities.

Regarding the proposed bridge at Balasighat in Gaibandha, Shahe Alam said the country’s current economic situation was difficult. He also alleged discrepancies between information provided by the interim government about loans and the actual situation.

He noted that the government faced a substantial debt burden and had to pay interest on loans every month. In this context, he said, the government was seeking foreign entrepreneurs to finance the construction of major bridges.

The State Minister added that efforts would be made to find investors for four proposed bridges, including those at Balasi and Sariakandi.

Following the exchange of views with journalists, Shahe Alam attended a meeting on law and order and district development at the conference room of the Gaibandha Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Among those present were Gaibandha District BNP President Professor Dr. Mainul Hasan Sadiq, General Secretary Mahmudun Nabi Titul, and leaders and activists of district and upazila BNP units and affiliated organizations.

END/SMA/AJ