Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said efforts will be made to control mobocracy and improve law and order in the country.

“It will be controlled. Efforts will be made to improve the law and order situation. We have passed through a storm, a revolution, a mass uprising. Not everything can be fixed immediately,” he told reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat on the first working day after the formation of the government.

The main challenge for the government is to build the nation. “Our Prime Minister, who is now leading us, began with the words ‘I have a plan’ for Bangladesh. He has formed the cabinet to implement that plan.”

The cabinet will work to solve the people’s problems and move Bangladesh forward, he added.

Fakhrul emphasised that democracy will remain the guiding principle in all government work.  “Democracy is our main ingredient. Particularly in the Local Government Ministry, which directly interacts with the grassroots, I have an advantage because I have worked in local government before.”

He expressed confidence in making the ministry dynamic and capable of addressing people’s issues.

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Responding to questions on law and order, the economy, and foreign policy, Fakhrul said the situation is not as bad as perceived. “Law and order has improved compared to before. Macroeconomic stability has returned. Banks are largely under control. With coordinated efforts, we can improve these areas further.”

Responding to another question, Fakhrul said, “We have achieved a major milestone under an interim government through elections. That is a big achievement.”

Asked if the ‘Awami League-free’ election was inclusive, he said, “Both nationally and internationally, it is being recognised as an inclusive election. That is why it is acceptable to all.”

Regarding Awami League’s future role, the minister said the government will announce its political decisions later.

Asked whether a white paper would be published on the interim government’s performance, Fakhrul said it is unnecessary.  

“They took responsibility at a special moment and accomplished most of the required work. The main issue was the transition to democracy, which they achieved. Credit must be given for that. They have done a good job,” he said.