Dhaka:Politics should prioritize establishing people's rights and welfare over merely gaining power, stated Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, during a discussion on Friday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Dr. Khan emphasized the need to strengthen the democratic system by promoting democracy at the grassroots level and ensuring accountability among elected representatives.
The minister shared these insights while serving as the chief guest at a discussion with teachers from The Millennium University, held at his Gulshan residence in the capital, in recognition of National Teachers' Day 2026. At the meeting, which also included various NGO representatives, the Khan Foundation's website was inaugurated.
Dr. Khan highlighted the privilege of representing the people and noted his commitment to politics guided by these ideals for nearly 35 years. He underscored the equal responsibility of citizens to elect suitable representatives, alongside the accountability of elected officials.
He called for a shift away from the practice of spending vast sums of money to win elections, asserting that true politics should be based on service to the people. Dr. Khan described the local government system as a cornerstone of democracy, essential for effective national governance.
The minister identified challenges such as reforming local government institutions, ensuring public services, and conducting elections across five tiers of local government. He stressed the importance of enabling citizens to vote freely and without fear.
In support of non-party local government elections, he argued this approach could reduce political divisions and hostility at the local level, fostering a focus on national development and public welfare.
Dr. Khan also highlighted the significant role of NGOs in societal development, particularly in poverty alleviation and improving living standards in Bangladesh. He called for enhanced coordination between local government institutions and NGOs to boost the effectiveness of development activities.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Advocate Rokhsana Khondker, chairperson of the Board of Trustees of The Millennium University and the Khan Foundation; Prof Dr. Abinoy Chandra Shaha, vice-chancellor of The Millennium University; Mahmuda Khatun, executive director of the Khan Foundation; and various NGO representatives, university teachers, and Khan Foundation officials and employees.