Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam said the law is being amended to make the district council stronger and more effective.
Besides, steps have been taken to update the Union Parishad, Municipality and Upazila Parishad laws, he said.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a national workshop on ‘Strengthening District Councils Achieving SDGs’ organized by the Local Government Department and UNDP at Hotel InterContinental in the capital on Thursday.
The Minister said, “The work of amending the District Council Act has already been finalized which is awaiting to be raised in the Cabinet meeting. If there is any logical opinion and suggestion of the Zila Parishad chairmen through today's meeting, then the law will be updated by amending them.”
He also said, “There are 13-16 upazilas in some districts. There are 3 or 5 to 10 upazilas in a district. But the number of all district council members is 20. On the other hand, not every district is financially equal. Therefore, the amended law has taken initiative to form a district council with one member from each upazila and one woman member from three upazilas. In addition, the mayor / representative from the municipality will be a member of the council.”
Mentioning the district council as a very important institution for the development of the country, Md. Tajul Islam said, “No institution become stronger and capable in one day. It cannot reach the desired goal. The workshop would take into account the suggestions and opinions of all to form an effective and strong district council and play a role in addressing future challenges.”
Stating that local government institutions are the real change makers of the country, the minister said a planned country is needed to build the golden Bengal of Bangabandhu's dream. Therefore, it is necessary to build planned infrastructure in cities, towns and villages. In this case, the people's representatives can play the biggest role.
Assuring that the various demands raised by the district council chairman, including the appointment of planners, would be met, the local government minister said an organization is dignified only when it has transparency and accountability. The district council also needs to ensure this.
UNDP Resident Representative Sudipta Mukherjee and Swiss Ambassador Nathalia Chuard were present as special guests at the event, which was presided over by Senior Secretary, Local Government Department, Helaluddin Ahmed.
In addition, senior officials of the local government department, chairman and chief executive officer of the district council, local government experts, academics, representatives of various development partner countries / organizations were present among others.
