Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the government is working towards holding local government election within the next year, describing it as a key step to revitalise democratic practices at the grassroots level.
He made the remarks while briefing journalists after the sixth session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday.
Reiterating the government’s position on the election roadmap, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We have said this before, and we are saying it again,” signalling continued commitment to the proposed timeline.
The minister stressed that the local government system forms the foundation of democratic governance, adding that strengthening this structure would ultimately reinforce democracy across the country.
He noted that deputy commissioners (DCs) had provided several constructive recommendations on improving ministry operations, which the government has taken positively.
Mirza Fakhrul urged field-level administrators to play a more proactive role in mobilising public participation in development and governance activities.
He said officials must work closely with citizens, emphasising that people remain the “true owners of the country.”
“The DCs must work alongside the people,” he said, underlining the importance of collaboration between administration and citizens in implementing government initiatives.
Reflecting on the condition of the local government system in recent years, the minister pointed to institutional weaknesses and corruption-related challenges.
He said the ministry plans to review past irregularities and introduce stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse and improve transparency.
Fakhrul also reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing development programmes and policy directions set by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying effective execution at the grassroots level would be crucial for national progress.
