Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Adviser to the Prime Minister, Zahed Ur Rahman, announced that local government elections in the country are expected to begin by the end of this year. “Once the electoral process starts, it may take between 10 months to a maximum of one year to complete all phases,” Rahman stated during a weekly press briefing held at the Press Information Department’s conference room at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rahman discussed both the progress and achievements of various ministries and the upcoming local government elections. He emphasized that the government is actively considering holding these elections, and the Ministry of Local Government is already making preparations.
Regarding the powers of the Upazila Parishad, Rahman clarified that no decision has been made to curtail its powers. He explained that legally, Members of Parliament serve as advisers to the Upazila Parishad, and providing office space for MPs should not be seen as diminishing the parishad’s authority.
In addition to election-related matters, Rahman highlighted ongoing efforts to rationalize bus routes in Dhaka to improve public transport discipline, as outlined in the government’s election manifesto. He noted that this initiative aims to bring order to the city’s traffic system once implemented.
The government has also decided to waive import duties on special electric school buses for students and introduced free Wi-Fi services at five airports and four railway stations. Furthermore, farmers affected by floods in haor areas are receiving financial assistance of Tk 7,500 per family.
Rahman shared that approval has been given to procure 1.30 crore liters of palm oil and 2,000 metric tons of lentils for the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). He also mentioned the inclusion of data for 844 martyrs and 14,369 fighters from the July mass uprising in the MIS database. Families of martyrs are being provided with savings certificates worth Tk 30 lakh and a monthly allowance of Tk 20,000, while 152 injured fighters have been sent abroad for advanced treatment.
Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed and other senior officials were present at the briefing.