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Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called for a nationwide stand against corruption, saying Bangladesh must rely on its own people to achieve sustainable development and eliminate poverty.
Speaking at a discussion marking the first National Rural Development Day 2026 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, organised by the Bangladesh Rural Development Board, the minister said rebuilding integrity and public trust is essential for the country’s progress.
“We must say no to corruption at every level. If we can change ourselves, we can change society. No neighbouring country, distant nation or the United States will come to develop Bangladesh. We have to build our own future,” he said.
The minister alleged that corruption had become widespread under the previous government, claiming public institutions had lost credibility and BRDB had been left ineffective.
He stressed that meaningful development cannot be achieved without increasing people’s incomes. According to him, BRDB’s key responsibilities are to organise rural communities, provide skills training and help create markets for rural products.
Fakhrul also underscored the importance of self-reliance, saying people cannot improve their lives by depending on others. He added that stronger local governance would help develop grassroots leadership and encourage collective efforts to build a more prosperous Bangladesh.
State Minister Mir Shahe Alam attended the programme as the special guest.
The theme of this year’s observance was “Developed Rural Areas, Prosperous Country: Bangladesh First.”
