Dhaka: Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced on Wednesday that local government elections are anticipated to take place either by the end of this year or in early 2027. He assured that the elections will be conducted in a free, fair, and impartial manner, devoid of any political interference.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister made these statements while addressing a discussion organized by the Bangladesh Union Parishad Chairmen and Members Association at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. Fakhrul emphasized that there will be no opportunity for political manipulation in the elections, and candidates must win through popular support.
Addressing the UP chairmen and members, Fakhrul, who also serves as the BNP secretary general, highlighted the importance of maintaining communal harmony and the active participation of elected representatives in festivals of people from different faiths. He reiterated that no political party, including BNP or Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, would receive special treatment, underscoring that democratic principles require that all candidates, including chairmen, members, and women members, be elected by the people’s support.
The minister also addressed the necessity for equitable distribution of relief to protect the rights of the poor. He argued that a robust local government system is crucial for a country’s democracy and state system, asserting that empowering grassroots public representatives is essential for effective service delivery and strengthening democracy’s foundation.
Fakhrul compared Bangladesh’s local government system to those in developed countries, where they form the backbone of administration, justice, healthcare, and public services. He lamented that since independence, Bangladesh’s local government system has not reached the desired level of strength and called for genuine empowerment of local government.
He described UP chairmen and members as essential representatives who are in tune with local issues, pledging to discuss their benefits with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure more respectable allowances. Fakhrul stressed the importance of strengthening local government to institutionalize development and democracy and advocated for the involvement of local representatives in selecting beneficiaries for government programs, including social safety nets.
Additionally, Fakhrul called for greater empowerment of women and advancements in education, asserting that Bangladesh cannot progress without improving its educational system. He also highlighted the need to integrate healthcare services with local government institutions to enhance public health services.