Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, advisor to the Ministry of LGRD and Cooperatives, reiterated the government`s unwavering stance against any activities undermining the country`s independence and sovereignty.

Speaking at a winter clothing distribution program at Paotana College ground in Pirgachha upazila of Rangpur district on Tuesday, he emphasized that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in seditious acts.

"No matter how influential an individual is, if found guilty of sedition, they will face justice. The law will act in the interest of the state’s security, not for any individual or community," he declared.

Referring to the recent arrest of expelled ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on sedition charges, Mahmud clarified that the action was taken based on the nature of the offense and not due to the individual`s community affiliation.

Highlighting the July-August 2024 mass uprising, Mahmud linked it to public demands for eliminating disparities. "The people of Bangladesh demand a democracy free from discrimination. Past governments, particularly under Sheikh Hasina`s regime, concentrated development in specific areas like Gopalganj, leaving others neglected," he remarked.

He assured the people of Rangpur that their region would no longer be subjected to such discrimination. "We aim for balanced development nationwide, ensuring that civic services reach every corner," Asif added, hinting at reforms in union parishad structures.

During the event, approximately 600 winter clothes and blankets were distributed among underprivileged families. Families of the 2024 mass uprising martyrs shared their grief, moving attendees as they recounted their losses.

After the meeting, Mahmud inspected the proposed site for a bridge over the Teesta River, which would connect Pirgachha in Rangpur with Ulipur in Kurigram. The visit drew hundreds of residents from Ulipur, demanding expedited construction of the bridge.

Additionally, Mahmud inaugurated a newly built Pirgachha Upazila Parishad building.

The event was attended by the Upazila Administration and was attended by acting Local Government Division Secretary Nazrul Islam, Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Robiul Foisal, Superintendent of Police Sharif Uddin, and Pirgachha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nazmul Haque Suman, among others. Family members of local martyrs, community leaders, and student representatives also spoke at the event.