State Minister for Local Government, Mir Shah-e-Alam, has announced plans to complete five elections within the local government structure—Union Parishad, Municipality, Upazila Parishad, District Council, and City Corporation—by July of next year.
He stated that the government plans to discuss this matter with the Election Commission (EC) next week. However, setting the election schedule and dates falls under the purview of the Election Commission.
The State Minister for Local Government made these remarks to journalists on Tuesday (August 25) after a meeting with Denmark’s Ambassador to Dhaka, Christian Brix Møller, at the Secretariat.
When asked about the preparations for organizing the five local elections, Mir Shah-e-Alam said that since these institutions fall under the Ministry of Local Government, the ministry would provide assistance on various necessary matters, including election expenses. Factors such as when each institution’s term ends and what preparations are needed to hold the elections are also being considered.
Regarding the Election Commission’s preparations for the schedule, the State Minister stated that the Election Commission itself would announce the schedule. The Commission alone could provide detailed information on this matter.
In response to a question about whether any proposal for organizing the elections had been made by the government, he said that approximately BDT 6,000 crore has been allocated in the current fiscal year’s budget for holding the five local government elections.
He stated, “We have kept the necessary BDT 6,000 crore in the budget for these five elections.”
Meanwhile, regarding the meeting with the Danish Ambassador, the State Minister mentioned that Denmark is interested in cooperating on the water supply management in the capital. He also informed that the country would provide BDT 100 crore for Rohingya assistance.
The State Minister for Local Government reiterated that the government would provide the necessary assistance for holding elections of local government institutions. However, the Election Commission would determine the specific timetable and schedule for the elections.
