Local Government and Rural Development Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also BNP Secretary General, on Tuesday said efforts are underway to complete local government elections at all levels within the next year.
He made the remark while speaking to journalists after attending a session of the Local Government Division at the four-day Deputy Commissioners' (DC) Conference 2026.
The third day of the conference, held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, featured discussions on national security, infrastructure development, technology expansion, strengthening local government institutions, and preservation of Liberation War history. Ministries and divisions also issued policy directions for field administration to improve implementation.
Fakhrul said strengthening local government institutions would ultimately strengthen the state, stressing inclusive development with citizen participation.
The Local Government Division highlighted initiatives including launching the Rangpur Development Authority, improving water supply and sanitation in Gazipur, excavating canals alongside rural roads, preventing child marriage, and ensuring access to arsenic-free drinking water.
The Rural Development and Cooperatives Division emphasised creating district-based cooperative databases and ensuring effective use of cooperative assets.
In defence-related sessions, discussions included establishing a meteorological office in Barguna, improving waste management in Dhaka Cantonment through designated garbage points, and strengthening civil-military relations. Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam stressed mutual trust, coordination, and a "Whole of Government Approach" to address complex security challenges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlined priorities such as protecting the pharmaceutical industry during Bangladesh's transition to a middle-income country, preventing irregular migration, expanding skilled workforce exports, boosting tourism, and supporting women entrepreneurs in export sectors.
The Power Division proposed installing solar systems in hilly areas, making rooftop solar panels mandatory, ensuring uninterrupted electricity during irrigation seasons, and expanding power generation in Hatiya, Noakhali.
The Energy Division focused on expanding gas connections, amending petroleum laws, and taking strict action against illegal fuel stockpiling and adulteration.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs discussed converting the Teliyapara Tea Garden bungalow into a Liberation War Museum, setting up divisional memorial museums, and improving documentation and preservation of Liberation War history.
The Ministry of Housing and Public Works proposed constructing district-level officers' dormitories, establishing integrated government buildings, renovating the Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram, implementing urban master plans, and reviewing government housing rents.
In science and technology, plans were presented for divisional-level modern laboratories, increased research fellowships, and stronger academia-industry collaboration.
The Posts and Telecommunications Division emphasised blocking harmful websites and improving mobile connectivity in hilly regions. The ICT Division proposed fact-checking centres to counter misinformation and expansion of ICT parks at district level.
Speakers across sessions urged Deputy Commissioners to lead implementation of development programmes, ensure public participation, and maintain transparency and accountability in administration.
They also agreed that coordination among civil administration, the military, and citizens is essential for national security, economic stability, and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the conference on May 3, 2026.
