Mirza Fakhrul warns of 'frustrated' elements seeking to destabilize country

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has cautioned the nation against a "frustrated" faction intent on inciting social unrest. 

Speaking on Friday at a commemorative event for the 165th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore at the Rabindra Kachari Bari in Naogaon, Fakhrul noted that certain disappointed groups frequently attempt to spark instability. 

While he did not name specific organizations, his remarks underscored the government's concern over current social frictions.

Reflecting on the state of the nation, Fakhrul, who also serves as the BNP Secretary General, expressed regret that Bangladesh’s political culture has yet to meet the public’s high expectations. 

He observed that despite repeated sacrifices for systemic transformation, "real change" has remained elusive.

The Minister emphasized that the bedrock of the country’s identity must remain the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War. "Our identity as Bangladeshis must come first. Independence was hard-won through nine months of combat, just as democracy was regained through persistent struggle," he said.

Referencing the July uprising, Fakhrul credited the country’s youth for spearheading a movement that led to the recent elections and a new political context. However, he warned that "fascist forces" had left behind a legacy of economic ruin, crippled banks, and a weakened administration. 

"We emerged from a struggle against those destructive actions," Fakhrul stated. "Yet, some are now attempting to derail this progress by fanning unrest over minor issues. No one wants further instability in this country."

Beyond politics, the Minister paid tribute to the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, specifically his work in Patisar. He highlighted the poet’s practical contributions to rural development, including the establishment of a local bank for farmers and the introduction of modern agricultural techniques. 

Fakhrul described Tagore as a "poet of universal humanity" whose influence reached far beyond the arts into the welfare of ordinary citizens.

The event was chaired by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. ANM Bazlur Rashid. Other notable speakers included Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, and former Ambassador M. Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey.