Chattogram: Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation Dr. Shahadat Hossain today emphasized that the effective functioning of local government bodies is essential for fostering grassroots development across the country. The CCC Mayor made this remark during a meeting with a visiting delegation from the European Union (EU) election observation mission at the CCC Bhavan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, EU’s long-term election observer Susanne Giendl and mission assistant Md Masuk Haider were among the attendees at the meeting. Dr. Shahadat highlighted that the mayor alone cannot ensure the desired level of services to the residents of Chattogram, similar to other large metropolises, without the support of elected ward counselors and female counselors under the reserved quota.
He further noted that holding elections for local government bodies, particularly city corporation polls across the country, is imperative to alleviate the challenges faced by city inhabitants. Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain informed the EU mission members that the BNP secured a significant victory in the February 12 election, achieving an absolute majority that enabled the party to form the government. He attributed this outcome to a free and fair election with substantial voter participation.
EU election observer Susanne Giendl mentioned that the EU’s evaluation process of the 13th parliamentary election is in progress, adhering to national legal frameworks and international standards. A preliminary report was published on February 14 in Dhaka. She added that a comprehensive final report, which will include recommendations for improving the electoral process in the future, will be published upon the completion of the entire election process.