BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Fakhrul Islam Alamgir promises separate directorate for ethnic minority welfare and development initiatives. Photo : PID

DHAKA, June 10, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today expressed hope that a separate directorate would be established to ensure the overall development and welfare of the country's ethnic minority communities.

He made the remarks while addressing a views exchange meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Ethnic Minority Community Party at the BNP's Gulshan office in the capital.

The meeting discussed issues relating to the development, education, employment and political representation of ethnic minority communities. Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar was present at the event.

Speaking as the chief guest, Fakhrul said members of ethnic minority communities had actively worked in support of the BNP during the elections in addition to casting their votes, and thanked them for their contribution.

He said representation of ethnic minority communities had been ensured through reserved seats for women and expressed hope that efforts would be made to secure their representation in the upper house of parliament in the future.

The minister said the government would take long-term initiatives to expand educational opportunities, employment prospects and access to low-interest loans for the children of ethnic minority communities.

He also said the government would positively consider establishing a separate directorate to ensure their overall welfare and development.

Addressing the meeting, Bijon Kanti Sarkar said the government remained committed to the advancement of ethnic minority communities and urged women from these communities to pursue careers in the nursing profession.