Awami League issue will be handled legally: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the reported reopening of Awami League offices in various parts of the country will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He made the remarks on Monday morning while responding to questions from journalists at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan of the capital.

Asked about the government’s position on the reopening of Awami League offices, Mirza Fakhrul said the BNP had not supported such a move. “There is a legal provision stating that their activities are banned. Therefore, the matter will be considered from a legal standpoint everywhere,” he said.

This was the first visit by a senior BNP leader and minister to the Nayapaltan office since the party’s victory in the 13th parliamentary election. Mirza Fakhrul arrived at around 10:30am, where party leaders and activists welcomed him.

Speaking to reporters, he noted that many of the party’s major movements and programmes had historically been launched from the Nayapaltan office under the leadership of the late party chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, which had inspired people across the country.

Regarding local government elections, the minister said that would be held in due course in line with official rules and procedures. He added that the government would review the tenure of various local bodies and make arrangements to hold the elections at an appropriate time, giving the matter due priority.

In response to a question about nominations for reserved seats for women in Parliament, Mirza Fakhrul said preference would be given to women who have strong engagement with the public, active involvement in politics and close ties to the party.