The New Nation - Internet Edition

Desk Report

Commerce and Industry Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said the government is taking effective initiatives for strengthening the local government bodies.

He disclosed that the policymakers of the present caretaker government are considering to form a commission in this regard.

He was speaking as chief guest at a meeting organised by Union Parishad Okayjote demanding effective, dynamic and independent local government for democracy, development and good governance at the Engineering Institution in the city yesterday.

We must look at the rural economy of the country for the overall economic progress, Dr Zillur observed

Presided over by M Feroz Siddiqi, convener of organization's Dhaka Divisional region, former minister Lt Gen (Rtd) Meer Shawkat Ali inaugurated the conference while former minister Gulam Sarwar Milon, former Jatiya Party lawmaker GM Kader, Prof Dr Nazmul Ahsan Kalimollah, Meer Enayeet Hossain Montu, Mahbubur Rahman Tulu, and Matiur Rahman Tapan, among others, addressed the function.

Dr Zillur said developing every village is a must for a sustainable development of the country adding '' If the Dhaka city or Chittagong is developed only, people will not get the benefits at all from such kind of incomplete development.''

Referring to the demands raised by the local elected representatives , he said he fully agree with them to hold local government election before holding parliamentary election.

Lt Gen (Rtd) Meer Shawkat Ali in his speech urged the Government to take proper initiatives for strengthening the local government ignoring ' ill motivated' demands by some political parties.

''I think they are not interested in good governance and effective democracy in Bangladesh,'' he said.

Since the election is held without party affiliation, political parties have no right to oppose the election before general election, he added.

Former minister Gulam Sarwar Milion also the coordinator of the organisation said this is a golden opportunity to take measures for powerful and functional local government while GM Kader stressed on political commitment in this regard.

About twelve thousand chairmen and members of different Union Parishad took part in the convention and described their various difficulties in running their jobs during the previous political government.

They demanded of the Government to hold local government election before the general election to resist the political parties influence.

Most of them said political interference are the major obstacles for them.