Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shah Alam has said that five local government elections, including those for city corporations, upazila councils, district councils and municipalities, will be completed within the current fiscal year.

He made the remarks on Friday (August 14) while visiting a residential building for sanitation workers in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar.

The state minister said around Tk 5,000 crore to Tk 6,500 crore would be required to hold the local government elections. He said the budget approved by the previous parliament already includes provisions for the required funds. The Election Commission is also preparing to organize the elections.

Mir Shah Alam further said the Local Government Division has already issued necessary instructions to the Election Commission regarding the elections. Once the commission completes its preparations, the Election Commission, Local Government Division and Finance Division will hold a meeting at the ministry to decide which election should be held first.

Speaking about load-shedding, the state minister stressed the need to shift toward renewable energy, particularly by increasing the use of solar panels. He said expanding solar power in businesses, schools and households could help ease the current electricity crisis. According to him, the investment made in renewable electricity could be recovered within a year.

Earlier, the state minister planted a fruit tree sapling on the grounds of Victoria High School. He later inspected the school’s playground, children’s park and garbage dumping area.

Among those present were local MP Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, District Council Administrator VP Mizan Rahman, District BNP Convener Faizul Karim Mayun, BCB Director Sarfaraz Ahmed Sarfu, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Ziaur Rahman and Upazila BNP Convener Nurul Alam Siddiqui, among others.