Elected reps must be accountable for their actions, says Moyeen 

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said that government officials and elected representatives share the responsibility of serving the people. 

He said elected representatives would have to return to the people after five years to seek their mandate again. Ensuring public services and remaining accountable for their actions are therefore among the key responsibilities of an elected government, he added.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a review meeting on solar power, dengue prevention and development programmes, organised by the Local Government Division at the Cooperative Bhaban in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, on Saturday.

Highlighting the potential of solar power, he suggested installing solar panels on the rooftops of Union Parishad and Upazila Parishad buildings and encouraging their wider use in rural households.

Storing surplus electricity generated during the daytime in batteries for use at night could help reduce pressure on and dependence on the national grid, he said.

State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari said honesty, transparency and efficiency were essential for ensuring public services and implementing development projects at the grassroots level. He said integrity and professional performance were being considered in the posting and promotion of government officials.

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said Upazila administrations have an important role in implementing public welfare programmes. He said Family Cards and Farmer Cards would be distributed to families and farmers in phases over the next four years.

On rural infrastructure, he called for considering concrete and uni-blocks instead of bricks for small rural roads and ensuring adequate drainage around markets and commercial areas. He also said work was underway to formulate laws and regulations for the registration of easy-bikes.

Mir Shahe Alam urged authorities to explore the potential of producing organic fertiliser and electricity from waste and called for regular sports and cultural competitions at educational institutions.

He also urged field administrators to work together with Puja committees and social security committees to ensure peaceful Durga Puja celebrations.

The state minister called on Upazila Nirbahi Officers to perform their duties sincerely to help ensure free, fair and impartial local government elections scheduled to begin next January. He also proposed holding an annual conference of UNOs to strengthen efforts against drugs and corruption.

Senior government officials, chief executive officers of city corporations, district-level local government officials, Upazila Nirbahi Officers and municipal administrators attended the meeting.