State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam has said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has always believed in governing the country based on the people’s votes and mandate. He said the party conducts its politics by prioritising people’s rights and interests.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a dengue fever awareness and primary healthcare camp held on the grounds of Adarsha High School in Mirpur-10, Dhaka, on Saturday (October 31). State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit attended the programme as a special guest.

Mir Shah Alam said the BNP has always sought to establish a government representing the people. The party does not aspire to come to power through elections without voters’ participation or polls held under the cover of darkness. Instead, it wants to govern with the people’s votes and mandate.

Referring to the current government’s commitment to public welfare under the visionary and courageous leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said the government was giving the highest priority to public welfare and satisfaction.

He added that various measures were being taken to ensure transparency and accountability in government operations. As part of these efforts, administrative action had also been taken against ministers and members of parliament. He stressed that activities contrary to public interests would not be tolerated.

Referring to the recently held by-election, the state minister said voters had rejected political conspiracies and elected the BNP-nominated candidate by a huge margin in a free, fair and impartial election. He added that people had rejected those who resorted to cheap politics to conceal unethical activities.

Describing the BNP as a responsible political party, he said that whenever the government faces failures or problems such as power outages, the Prime Minister apologises to the people from the floor of parliament and outlines future action plans. According to him, this reflects the BNP’s political integrity and distinguishes it from other parties.

He further said BNP leaders and activists, inspired by the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, were working alongside the people.

He highlighted several initiatives, including ensuring safe drinking water, expanding gas facilities, providing primary healthcare, improving roads, freeing footpaths from illegal occupation, planting trees and developing a clean and liveable Dhaka.

Expressing optimism about the party’s future political prospects, he said Dhaka residents would once again elect BNP candidates in the coming days in recognition of these ongoing initiatives.

Praising the free healthcare camp organised by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the state minister said such initiatives would expand access to medical services for ordinary and underprivileged people.

The temporary healthcare camp was inaugurated to raise awareness about dengue among DNCC residents, identify infected patients and provide medical services.

Throughout the day, the camp offered gynaecological, paediatric, dermatological, expanded immunisation programme, family planning, non-communicable disease, nutrition and general healthcare services. Free medicines were also distributed.

The programme was presided over by DNCC Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan. Various officials, administrative personnel and political leaders of the city corporation were present.