Parliament to decide whether local govt polls will be held with party symbols: Fakhrul

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (24 February) said parliament will decide whether local government elections, including city corporation polls, will be held with party symbols.

He made the remarks while responding to a question from journalists after the formal joining ceremony of the newly appointed administrators of six city corporations at the Bangladesh Secretariat this morning.

Fakhrul said the main goal of the government is to make all local government institutions operational by holding elections as soon as possible.

Priority will be given to Dhaka North, Dhaka South and Chattogram city corporations in holding elections, he said.

The minister said the government will arrange elections in the remaining city corporations, municipalities and other local government bodies in phases.

Replying to another query about the appointment of administrators in six city corporations, Fakhrul said political administrators can ensure services by being directly involved with the people. 

These political figures have been given this responsibility since they can play a more effective role in easing public suffering than government officials, he said. 

However, the minister said, elections will be held first in the city corporations whose terms have expired.

Responding to questions from reporters at the event, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said political administrators have been appointed to make local government bodies more active.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed administrators reiterated their commitment, saying that they will give top priority to important works related to public suffering, such as mosquito control, easing traffic congestion and road repair.

They informed the minister that they will start working on a 60-day special programme to ensure quick results.