Govt working to strengthen democracy, revive economy: Fakhrul

Govt working to strengthen democracy, revive economy: Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the government is working to strengthen democratic institutions, revitalise the economy and improve people's quality of life.

"The present government is committed to building Bangladesh into a democratic, inclusive and exploitation-free nation," he said while addressing the Bengal Delta Conference 2026 at a hotel in the capital.

Organised by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (DAIRA), the conference was held under the theme, "Bangladesh and a Changing World: Uncharted Times, Emerging Orders, and the Politics of Care."

Addressing the gathering, Fakhrul said Bangladesh stands at a critical turning point, where the student-led mass movement, the demand for the restoration of democracy and aspirations for political change have opened up new opportunities for the country.

He paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War, saying Bangladesh achieved its independence through their sacrifices. He also honoured the students and citizens who lost their lives during the 2024 movement to restore democracy.

Describing himself as a grassroots political activist rather than a professional analyst, Fakhrul said his decades of involvement in movements against authoritarian rule have given him a deep understanding of the country's politics and the aspirations of its people.

Highlighting the economic situation, the minister said Bangladesh has been affected by global conflicts and economic uncertainty. He noted that tensions between Iran and the United States, along with the Russia-Ukraine war, have created significant challenges for developing nations.

He added that the country's economy has also been strained by years of corruption, money laundering and financial mismanagement. Despite these challenges, Fakhrul expressed confidence that Bangladesh would recover by leveraging the resilience of its people and emerging economic opportunities.

He said the government is implementing reforms to restructure the economy, attract investment, create jobs and strengthen the banking sector. A number of development initiatives have also been launched to boost the rural economy.

According to the minister, the government is placing special emphasis on industrialisation, agricultural development and the expansion of the creative economy. He added that the latest national budget includes several measures aimed at encouraging investment and accelerating industrial growth.

On democratic reforms, Fakhrul said the government has initiated consultations with political parties to build consensus on constitutional reforms, stressing that strong institutions are essential for ensuring a sustainable democracy.

He also underscored the importance of greater regional cooperation and stronger engagement by international partners in Bangladesh's economic development.

Expressing optimism about the future, Fakhrul said the country's people would build a new Bangladesh through courage, unity and resilience, where everyone would have the opportunity to live a safer, more prosperous and dignified life.

The conference was attended by local and international researchers, policymakers, diplomats, development experts, business leaders and representatives of civil society.