Combat terrorism, corruption and drug abuse, PM tells local govt officials

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked local government officials to dedicate their efforts to eradicating terrorism, militancy, drug abuse, and corruption from society.

“We must build a society free from terrorism, militancy, corruption and drugs. You have a crucial role to play,” she emphasised.

Her call came during a speech at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka, celebrating National Local Government Day 2024, themed “Local government will be smart: Rights to services will be ensured”.

Highlighting the detrimental impact of drug abuse on youth and its potential to fuel terrorism, militancy, and corruption, the prime minister called on public representatives to foster community awareness to combat these issues. She pointed to the significant strides Bangladesh has made under her leadership, urging local leaders to contribute to this momentum.

The PM asked the public representatives to keep the pledges they made and undertake the right projects, which would benefit the people most.

Observing that Bangladesh is a delta, she stressed the need for conservation of water bodies including rivers, canals, channels, beels and haors.

Sheikh Hasina also stressed the importance of environmental protection through initiatives like village-level waste management and water body conservation. “Starting waste management at the village level is imperative to avoid future complications,” she asserted, advocating for comprehensive sewerage master plans that extend to rural areas.

The prime minister asked the local representatives to enhance the revenue generation for their own local bodies, promote food production through cooperatives, protect arable lands and pay attention to the operation and services of community clinics.

She said the budgetary allocation for the local government sector was only Tk 5,799 crore in the 2005-2006 fiscal year, but that was enhanced to Tk 46,704 crore in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

She envisioned a future where local government bodies are empowered to drive national development, emphasising the central government’s role in providing the necessary framework for local initiatives.

The event was chaired by LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam, with notable speakers including Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam, Barishal City Corporation Mayor Abul Khair Abdullah, Shariatpur Zila Parishad Chairman Sabedur Rahman Khoka Sikder, Chairman of Bagha Upazila Parishad Layeb Uddin Ahmed from Rajshahi, Panchagarh Municipality Mayor Zakia Khatun and Chairman of Jagddol Union Parishad Humayun Rashid Lablu from Derai Upazila of Sunamganj.

Local Government Division Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim welcomed attendees, setting the stage for a day dedicated to enhancing local governance and service delivery across Bangladesh.