Dhaka: Local government elections across various administrative levels, including city corporations, municipalities, zila parishads, upazila parishads, and union parishads, are set to be completed within the current fiscal year, according to State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mir Shahe Alam. The announcement was made on Monday following a review meeting of departments, agencies, and institutions under the Local Government Department and the Rural Development and Cooperatives Department.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the state minister confirmed that funds have already been allocated in the current fiscal year's budget to facilitate the elections at these five levels. The Election Commission has initiated initial preparations, and the government estimates around Tk 6,000 crore will be necessary to conduct the elections.
The state minister emphasized that the timing of the elections would be contingent on the financial situation. Once the Election Commission's preparations are complete, a meeting with the Local Government Department and Finance Department will determine the precise timing.
Despite the logistical considerations, the state minister reiterated the government's determination to complete all five elections within the fiscal year, which concludes in June next year. He stressed the urgency of handing over responsibilities to the people's representatives as soon as the elections are feasible.
Shahe Alam expressed the government's intent to commence the elections promptly, balancing the Election Commission's readiness and the availability of funds.