Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the local government minister, said on Saturday that those who engage in corruption will be dealt with by the Anti-Corruption Commission. “We have never encouraged corruption, and we never will,” he added.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the remarks during a visit to Thakurgaon, where he said a new medical college in the district would start admitting students by 2027.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with local officials, he dismissed questions about alleged corruption by government advisers as a “waste of time”, urging a focus on development and strengthening democracy.

“Personally, we believe that instead of wasting time on these issues, we should devote our time to the future,” he said. “We should focus on how we can truly enrich the country and establish democracy.”

Measures would be taken to bolster food security, Alamgir added, noting that a family card scheme had been introduced in the district to support women’s development.

The meeting focused on district development projects, with particular emphasis on drug control. Other issues included upgrades to Thakurgaon Sadar Hospital, municipal development and agricultural projects.

District BNP president Mirza Faisal Amin and police superintendent Belal Hossain, among others, were present.