Mob violence to be dealt with firmly: Fakhrul

Ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday warned against mob violence, saying that any attempt to create disorder would be dealt with firmly.

Referring to the impact of recent global tensions, he said that the US and Israeli war against Iran affected Bangladesh, particularly in the energy sector.

Fakhrul, also the LGRD and cooperatives minister, issued the warning after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Neha River at Thakurgaon Sadar under a nationwide excavation and re-excavation of rivers and canals.

He said that his party did not believe in attaining ‘a ticket to heaven’ through votes.

‘We have come to serve the people and we believe that through hard work and sincere worship, one can attain heaven,’ he said.

Emphasising the need for transparency and accountability, Fakhrul urged the officials concerned to implement the excavation and re-excavation programme properly.

He said that the government planned to excavate about 20,000 canals across the country to address water stagnation, irrigation shortage and drought.

Referring to past initiatives, he said that canal excavation was first introduced in 1976 by then president Ziaur Rahman. ‘Had that initiative continued, the country would not have been facing the current water crisis,’ he said.

He also asked the administration to ensure that such projects do not remain limited to formal inauguration.

‘In the past, we have seen many projects that started but not completed properly,’ said emphasizing the need for proper monitoring so that people could get the benefit.

Highlighting social safety initiatives, he said that family cards were being distributed in the names of women to strengthen their role within households and enhance women’s empowerment.

He also said that farmer cards were being introduced to ensure that farmers could receive support directly.

Among others, state minister for water resources Farhad Hossain Azad, Thakurgaon deputy commissioner Israt Farzana and Bangladesh Water Development Board executive engineer Zakaria Mondal were present at the programme.

Officials said that the re-excavation of the 5.8km Neha River was being implemented at an estimated cost of Tk 1.42 crore.

The initiative is expected to improve drainage, expand irrigation facilities and reduce the impact of seasonal flooding and drought in the area.

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New Age | Mob violence to be dealt with firmly: Fakhrul