Reforms needed in politics, society: Asif Mahmud

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain today (25 February) underscored the need for bringing reforms in personal, political and social life along with the state in the post uprising period. 

"Bringing reforms is needed to individual life, political parties and society along with the state in the post uprising period," he told an event held on the occasion of the National Local Government Day at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

This year's Local Government Day is being celebrated under the slogan "Youth's Commitment to Nation Building, Local Reform in Public Service."

Adviser Asif said, "It is great regret that I see many political leaders making confusing statements whereas the people of Bangladesh are looking for positive changes in all directions after the July mass uprising."

"I hope you will make efforts to deliver more refined and polite statements," he said. 

Ensuring public service is one of the primary objectives of the local government department, Asif said, adding, "At present, there are several challenges in assigning the responsibilities to elected representatives through conducting local government elections."

"I believe that city corporation elections should be held. This would help alleviate some of the daily issues the city residents face," said the adviser.

Asif added, "Since the interim government assumed office, it has been battling with the long-standing practices of corruption as every institution in the country, ruined by the claws of corruption and fascism during the long 16 years of fascist regime."

At the same time, the government formed reform commissions to make these institutions effective and progressive in public service, he said.

The government is working towards restructuring the local government department with a new approach. "In line with our constitutional commitment to strengthen local government, the local government department is working towards this goal," he said. 

"By implementing the proposals of the reform commission, we will be able to build local government in a new form. I hope the people of Bangladesh will enjoy the long-term benefits of this," said Asif.

Commenting on law and order situation, Asif said, "The way the law enforcement agencies were confronted with the people during the July mass uprising, they have not yet recovered from that situation."

He went on to say, "It is a long-term process. However, I urge the law enforcement agencies to play a more active role in ensuring the safety of the people."