Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS)-  Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that even though administrators have been appointed, local government elections will be held at the right time.

He said according to the established government procedures, some local bodies’ terms yet to end while some of have expired. We will make arrangements to hold these elections at an appropriate time. However, undoubtedly, these elections will be given priority," he said.

The minister made these remarks in response to journalists' questions about whether local government elections are being delayed due to the appointment of administrators in 6 city corporations.

Fakhrul arrived at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan at 10:30 am today. He exchanged greetings with leaders, activists, supporters, and office staff. This was his first visit to the BNP office since taking charge as the Local Government Minister.

In response to a question about the qualification for party candidates of  women's reserved seats in Parliament, the BNP Secretary General said, “ The qualification for candidacy will be adherence to the party's ideals and principles; there must be involvement with the people, a close connection, and sacrifice for the party
When asked whether two members of the same family would be considered for nominations in women's reserved seats, Mirza Fakhrul said, "Nothing can be said about this right now. No decision has been made on this matter."

When asked for his reaction regarding Awami League offices reportedly being opened in many places, the BNP Secretary General said, "We don’t want this since legally its activities are prohibited, it will be viewed that way everywhere."

Remembering party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia with respect, he said, "This central office of ours is extremely dear to us. From here, all the movements for the transition of democracy and struggles were conducted. From this office, under the chairmanship of our leader  Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia, who has left us, we held many rallies in front of this office, which inspired people to plunge into the democratic movement."

Asserting that the country will progress under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the BNP Secretary General said, "We now seem to be working for a new Bangladesh, dreaming under the leadership of our leader current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Within a very short time, he has established a position among the people of the country----- he has started working and will continue to work, and this is proven by his various work methods."

Standing in the office's press conference room, he spoke with journalists and answered various questions.

BNP assistant Office Secretary Munir Hossain, Tariqul Islam Tenzing, Executive Committee member Salah Uddin, BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front Vice Chairman Tapan Kumar Majumder, among others, were present.