Initiatives are being taken to celebrate ‘Local Government Day’ to make local government institutions more vibrant, motivated and effective.
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mohammad Tajul Islam shared the information while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled, 'Policy Making and Reform in Local Government: Resource Acquisition, Effective Coordination and Development Activities' under the Effective and Accountable Local Government (EALG) project at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital on Wednesday.
The minister said that observing ‘Local Government Day’ would create enthusiasm among all those associated with the organization on the one hand and increase the work ethic and sense of responsibility on the other. The decision to observe Local Government Day would be taken with the approval of the cabinet with the consent of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The process of revenue collection and expenditure of local government bodies should be more transparent and accountable. Local government institutions need to be accountable to the people by providing better services to the community,” he said.
The minister added that the draft of Zila Parishad Act has already been finalized in the cabinet. In addition to the district councils, initiatives have been taken to amend the municipal and union council laws to enhance the capacity of local government institutions
The local government minister said the main purpose of being a people's representative is to serve the people. Ministers, Members of Parliament, Upazila Chairmen, Municipal Mayors and Union Parishad Chairmen should always be by the side of the people.
“No bridge can be built without hydrological, morphological, physiological study and navigation facilities. All measures have been taken to make all the works of LGED including road-bridges sustainable,” said the minister.
He further said that the quality of bricks was a problem for sustainable and quality works. Instructions have been given by the local government department and cabinet to hold a meeting to maintain the quality of making bricks.
Stating that disciplinary action has been taken against many for their alleged involvement in substandard work, the minister said that a team has been formed from the ministry and LGED to monitor all activities. Allegations of irregularities are being investigated and necessary action is being taken.
Helaluddin Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Department of Local Government, presided over the function, while Nathalie Chuard, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh and Van Nguyen, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP spoke as special guests.
Prof Nasiruddin Ahmed, Former Chairman, National Board of Revenue, presented the results and recommendations of a research conducted by EALG Project at the workshop; Prof Mobasher Monem, University of Dhaka; Prof Pranab Kumar Pandey, Nahid Sharmin, Freelance Consultant, Rajshahi University and UNDP were present at the event.
The workshop was attended by national and field level government officials, public representatives of Upazila and Union Parishads, academics and local government experts, development partner organization representatives, project officials, media personals etc.