TDS Desk:

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that local government elections will be held within the next one year.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at a press briefing after the 6th session of the DC Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday.

Fakhrul said deputy commissioners have sought information about his ministry and also made several suggestions, which the ministry has accepted.

He said local government is the strongest foundation of democracy and a key institution at the grassroots level, adding that strengthening it would further strengthen democracy.

The minister also said DCs must work with the people and play a leading role at the local level in implementing government programmes, stressing that people are the real owners of the country.

Fakhrul further said that local government institutions have been damaged over the past years and there have been allegations of widespread corruption.

He said the ministry will investigate these issues and ensure they do not happen in the future. Besides, efforts will be made to implement the programmes of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he added.