He said these things as the chief guest at a discussion meeting titled 'The role of grassroots representatives, UP chairmen and members in building a new Bangladesh by strengthening local government' organized by the Bangladesh Union Parishad Chairman-Member Association at the Diploma Engineers Institution in Kakrail, Dhaka on Wednesday (July 22).
The meeting was presided over by the President of the Bangladesh Union Parishad Chairman-Member Association, Md. Paygam Ali, and the special guest was State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, M. Iqbal Hossain.
The Local Government Minister said that in developed countries, local government serves as the main foundation for administration, justice, healthcare, and various public service activities. However, after independence, it was not possible to bring local government in Bangladesh to that desired strong position. Now is the time to truly empower local government.
He said that the closest representatives of the people at the grassroots level are the chairmen and members of the Union Parishads. No one else knows as much about the problems, needs, and potential of the people as they do. Therefore, to give institutional form to the country's development and democracy, local government must be made more effective and stronger.
The Local Government Minister further said that Bangladesh has been freed from autocratic rule through a long struggle, and a new opportunity for rebuilding democracy has been created. Commenting that democratic institutions had become weak during the past regime, he said there is no alternative to establishing a strong local government to ensure the country's development and people's participation.
The minister informed that he will discuss with the Prime Minister the matter of increasing the allowances of Union Parishad chairmen and members to a respectable level. He also assured that the government will take positive initiatives regarding the formation of a trust and fund for the welfare of the people's representatives.
He said the government is determined to further strengthen the local government system. All future elections, including Union Parishad elections, will be held freely, fairly, and impartially, and chairmen, members, and reserved women members will be elected by the people's votes.
Addressing the leaders of the organization, the minister said that a strong and inclusive committee must be formed by ensuring representation from all divisions and districts. The organization must move forward by including everyone who believes in the interest of the country, not by excluding anyone.
In the meeting, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, M. Iqbal Hossain, said that the role of Union Parishad chairmen and members is very important in implementing grassroots development plans. It is through them that the government's development activities reach the common people. He also assured that all-out cooperation will be provided to the people's representatives in all types of activities, including relief distribution during disasters.
Chairmen, members, and individuals associated with local government from various districts of the country participated in the event.
