Dhaka: State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam has directed the field administration to strengthen coordination in ensuring law and order, controlling corruption and drugs, and ensuring good governance, transparency and accountability in Kurigram, Gaibandha, and Rangpur districts. 'Coordination among different departments of the field administration must be strengthened to ensure overall development and public welfare in the districts,' he stated.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the directives were given during a meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday. The Cabinet Division had issued a notification on August 27, assigning the state minister the responsibility for coordinating and supervising government activities in the three districts, as per a press release by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.
The meeting focused on various public-interest issues, including law and order, drug and gambling control, river erosion, electricity, healthcare, and the supply of food and fertilisers. Mir Shahe Alam advised officials to report any emergencies involving public interest immediately and instructed deputy commissioners to visit all upazilas in their districts regularly.
To strengthen coordination, the state minister also directed that representatives from Jamalpur and Lalmonirhat districts be included in law-and-order meetings in Kurigram. The meeting was informed of ongoing efforts to control drugs through regular drives, community policing, and social awareness programmes with local institutions and prominent figures.
Legal actions are being pursued under the new Gambling Prevention Act, 2026, with regular cases filed and mobile courts conducted as necessary. The police department is actively working in this regard. The meeting highlighted the importance of raising public awareness to counter rumours and ensure accurate information dissemination.
Participants emphasised the need for early identification and prompt action on local issues like river erosion and discussed enhancing canal excavation programmes. Fertiliser supply was reviewed in detail, with the state minister instructing vigilance to prevent artificial crises and ensure timely distribution to farmers. District and upazila committees were tasked with promptly appointing dealers in line with the Integrated Policy on Fertiliser Dealer Appointment and Distribution, 2026.
The minister also underscored the importance of cleanliness and urged local administrations, public representatives, and relevant agencies to be more responsible in waste management. He expressed confidence that coordinated efforts would accelerate development activities in the districts, stating his intent to visit the concerned districts to inspect development activities and public services firsthand.