Diplomatic Desk:
Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan has remarked that there is no alternative to establishing a strong local government system to institutionalize democracy, ensure public participation, and enhance accountability.
He stated that unless the foundation of democracy is strengthened at the grassroots level, it is impossible to solidify the state’s overall democratic framework.
He made these remarks on Sunday (September 13) during a courtesy meeting with the Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh, Reto Renggli, at his office in the Secretariat. State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam was also present at the time.
During the meeting, the Local Government Minister noted that in a populous country like Bangladesh, a strong and effective local government system is crucial for delivering government services to the people’s doorsteps. He emphasized the importance of transforming the country’s vast population into skilled human resources while simultaneously enhancing the financial capacity of local government institutions.
Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan stated that genuine decentralization is necessary to effectively strengthen local government. He added that local government institutions could be made more effective by increasing public participation and expanding opportunities for local-level decision-making.
He further mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is firmly committed to holding free, fair, and impartial local government elections.
The meeting covered various topics, including strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Switzerland, bolstering democracy and the local government system, local government election processes, increasing the participation of rural women in economic activities, and addressing the impacts of climate change.
Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli highlighted the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Switzerland and expressed interest in expanding cooperation across various sectors. He emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences in areas such as enhancing the capacity of local government institutions, increasing accountability to the public, and promoting women’s empowerment.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam stated that the discussion focused on various aspects of strengthening the local government system and solidifying democracy institutionally. Particular emphasis has been placed on enhancing the financial capacity of local government institutions, decentralization, and increasing public participation at the local level.
He noted that there are also opportunities for cooperation between Bangladesh and Switzerland regarding the greater inclusion of women in the rural economy, addressing the challenges of climate change, and sharing experiences related to local government elections.
The State Minister expressed hope that the relationship between the two countries would become deeper and more effective through mutual cooperation and the exchange of experiences.
Senior officials of the ministry, including Md. Shahidul Hassan, Secretary of the Local Government Division, were present at the meeting.
