News Flash

DHAKA, May 19, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Local Government, Rural
Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam today said the government has
already begun field-level implementation of its election manifesto and
remains committed to fulfilling all pledges within the next four years.
"Several important welfare-oriented initiatives outlined in the manifesto had
already been launched successfully within the first three months of the
current government," he said.
He made the remarks at a citizen dialogue titled "People's Mandate: Citizen
Dialogue on Manifesto to Action" held at the Senate Building of Dhaka
University.
During the second session of the programme, detailed discussions were held on
"Challenges and Prospects of Manifesto Implementation: Urban Development and
Climate Resilience".
The dialogue was jointly organised by APE, Sachetan Foundation, BRAC C3ER and
several environmental organizations.
The state minister said that government's one of the key election commitments
was introducing the Family Card programme and the government launched it. "To
empower women economically, distribution of the cards has already begun at
the grassroots level," he added.
The state minister also said excavation of canals across the country is being
intensified to strengthen the rural economy further.
"To improve civic services, the capacity and authority of local government
institutions need to be enhanced further," he said, adding that the time has
come to move beyond conventional systems and introduce modern city governance
in line with present-day demands.
To protect rivers, canals and wetlands from pollution, the government is
making septic tanks mandatory for every household, he said, adding,
"Discussions with RAJUK in this regard have reached the final stage."
He also said the government is holding bilateral discussions with China to
modernize waste management in the capital through a scientific system.