Adviser Asif expresses concern over propaganda by foreign powers

FE Team | Published: December 25, 2024 23:38:57

PANCHAGARH, Dec 25 (UNB): Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, has expressed concerns over a wave of propaganda against Bangladesh by foreign powers who have failed to accept the fall of the fascist regime in the country.
He said these foreign powers, unable to accept the recent political changes, have spread misinformation about Bangladesh.
He made the remarks while speaking at an event at the Atoyari Model Pilot High School ground in Atoyari upazila of Panchagarh on Wednesday.
The event was organised to distribute winter clothes among the cold-stricken people and provide financial aid to the families of martyrs from the anti-discrimination student movement.
Asif, also adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said one of the main agendas of the current government is to undertake comprehensive reforms. He criticised the previous fascist government for destroying national institutions, ranging from financial systems to social organisations.
"We are determined to reform all these institutions to restore their strength and functionality," he added.
In response to a question from the media, Asif Mahmud reiterated his personal stance on the urgency of holding local government elections.
He said without elected representatives, it is challenging to provide citizens with effective services, as government officers often fail to deliver services properly. Citizens face harassment, delays, and inadequate services.
"With political consensus and government support, we hope to hold local elections swiftly," he added.
At the programme, July Shaheed Smrity Foundation General Secretary Md Sarjis Alam has said wherever injustice, syndicates, and extortion are seen, those will be uprooted.
"After such a big uprising, blood, and sacrifice of life in the country, if the game of money or recommendation continues, then two things can happen. Either we will not let it happen, or we will give more blood if necessary to stop them," he said.
Sarjis, also one of the student coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, said, "We want to give a message on behalf of the students and people, especially the young generation, our attention will gradually turn to each system."
"Wherever we see injustice, syndicates, and extortion, we will uproot them," he said.
He said Tentulia is an important place in Bangladesh and the very important Banglabandha Land Port in Tentulia upazila of Panchagarh is a four-country land port.
At the time of establishment of the land port, all the eople who were supposed to be employed here weren't employed. But, some people have taken everyone hostage by forming a syndicate, he added. He said, "If we are united, we will not allow injustice, syndicates or recruitment trade to take place in the land port."
The event was presided over by Shafiul Majlubin Rahman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Atoyari, and was attended by local leaders, including Atoyari Upazila BNP Convener A. Z. M. Bajlur Rahman, and the Amir of Atoyari Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami, Yunus Ali Khan.