Local govt elections within a year: LGRD Minister

Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has announced that the government will make every effort to hold local government elections within the next year to restore democratic practices at grassroots level. 

The minister made the statement while responding to questions from journalists during a press briefing following the sixth session of the Deputy Commissioners' Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday. 

"We have stated this before, and we are reiterating it now," Fakhrul affirmed regarding the election timeline.

Highlighting the vital role of grassroots administration, the minister described the local government as the ultimate foundation of democracy. He noted that the deputy commissioners shared valuable suggestions regarding the ministry's operations, which the government has fully embraced. 

"If we can empower and strengthen this institution, democracy itself will be further consolidated," he explained.

Fakhrul directed the deputy commissioners to assume strong leadership at the local level by actively engaging the public in implementing government programs. He emphasized that administrative officials must work hand in hand with the citizens. 

"The DCs must work alongside the people because the people are the true owners of this country," he added.

Reflecting on the state of the local government sector over the past few years, the minister lamented the extensive institutional damage caused by widespread corruption. 

He assured the public that his ministry would thoroughly investigate these past irregularities and establish strict mechanisms to prevent their recurrence. 

Furthermore, Fakhrul reiterated the administration's commitment to successfully executing the development initiatives and programs envisioned by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.