Strong local govt must for democracy: Fakhrul

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also BNP Secretary General, on Wednesday said a country's democracy and state institutions can only become truly strong when its local government system is effective and empowered.

Strengthening grassroots representatives is the key to delivering public services to people's doorsteps and reinforcing the foundations of democracy, he added.

While addressing a meeting “Role of Union Parishad Chairmen and Members in Building a New Bangladesh through Strengthening Local Government” as the chief guest at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in Kakrail in the capital he made the remarks. The meeting was organised by  Bangladesh Union Parishad Chairmen-Members Association.

Association’s President Md. Paygam Ali chaired the meeting, while State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M. Iqbal Hossain attended as special guest.

Mirza Fakhrul said in developed countries, local government serves as the primary pillar of administration, justice, healthcare and public service delivery. However, despite decades of independence, Bangladesh has yet to establish local government institutions with the strong and effective role they deserve, he added.

“The time has now come to genuinely empower local government,” he maintained.

Describing Union Parishad chairmen and members as closest elected representatives to people, Mirza Fakhrul said they possess the deepest understanding of local problems, needs and opportunities. He stressed strengthening local government institutions is essential for institutionalising democracy and accelerating national development.

Bangladesh has emerged from a prolonged period of authoritarian rule, creating a new opportunity to rebuild democratic institutions, he pointed out. 

Referring to the weakening of democratic institutions during previous administrations, he emphasised that there is no alternative to establishing a robust local government system to ensure inclusive development and greater public participation.

Minister further announced that he would discuss with Prime Minister the possibility of increasing the allowances of Union Parishad chairmen and members to a more respectable level. He also said the government would positively consider establishing a trust and welfare fund for elected local representatives.