Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Alam spoke at a meeting of views exchange with journalists at the Khulna Deputy Commissioner’s conference room today. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, June 28, 2025 (BSS) – Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Alam today said the upcoming national election will be the most credible and peaceful one in the country’s history.

Speaking at a meeting of views exchange with journalists at the Khulna Deputy Commissioner’s conference room, he said, the election will take place in a festive and peaceful environment.

He noted that the primary goal of the mass uprising in July 2024 was to restore democracy in Bangladesh, and the interim government has taken all necessary measures to ensure a free and fair election to this end.

The Press Secretary also stated that the present government is giving significant attention to Khulna, although the results may not be immediately visible. However, he expressed confidence that tangible progress will be seen in the near future.

The press secretary said the former Awami League government left behind a fragile economy, which hampered expected growth in Khulna’s jute and shrimp sectors. 

He criticized the closure of jute mills, noting that many questions remain regarding the manner in which those mills were shut down.

He pointed out that the number of educational institutions in Khulna, including public universities, has increased. The present government has nationalized schools in three jute mills, including one in Khulna, and plans to nationalize schools in every jute mill across the country.

He also stated that steps are being taken to quickly appoint a Vice-Chancellor at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) through a search committee to resolve the ongoing impasses.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Mongla Port, he said Khulna’s growth is closely linked to it. Efforts are underway to establish an economic zone centering Mongla Port, and the private sector has been encouraged to participate. The Chief Adviser also sought support from China during his recent visit to facilitate this initiative, he noted.

Shafiqul Alam described the coming decade as a “decade of growth” for Khulna, expressing hope that the region will reclaim its former glory.

He further mentioned that the government is actively working on protecting coastal embankments and addressing the water-logging problems in Bhodra.

He said, initiatives are also being taken for safe drinking water projects to other coastal areas like Shyamnagar and Gabura in Satkhira. A special project is being developed for climate refugees, he added.

Responding to a question about gas supply in Khulna factories through pipeline, the Press Secretary said that many factories are operating without gas, particularly potential footwear and battery sectors. 

He emphasized the government's focus on enhancing employment through skilled labour than relying solely on gas.

On the law and order, the Press Secretary asserted that the government is maintaining zero-tolerance policy to crime, which led to improve overall law and order across the country, including Khulna.

Finally, Shafiqul Alam highlighted the government's commitment to fundamental reforms, claiming that transparency has been restored in every ministry through structural changes, contributing to the establishment of good governance.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Mojumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Fayez Ahmad were present.