Zero tolerance for graft essential to ensure people's rights: Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday announced a "zero tolerance" policy against corruption, saying the country must firmly say "no" to corruption and ensure the people's rightful entitlements.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion meeting held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital to mark National Rural Development Day-2026 as the chief guest. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam attended the meeting as the special guest.

The minister said Bangladesh cannot achieve sustainable development without the overall development of rural areas. He said the government is continuing its efforts to improve roads, communication systems and other infrastructure across the country.

However, he stressed that infrastructure alone cannot bring real development. According to him, true progress will come only when people's incomes increase and their economic capacity is strengthened.

Although Bangladesh is currently a Least Developed Country (LDC), the government's goal is to build a poverty-free, prosperous and self-reliant nation, he added.