Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan has emphasised strengthening the local government system to improve people’s quality of life and reinforce the country’s democratic process.

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle at the minister’s office in the Secretariat on Tuesday (September 8). State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam was also present.

The minister highlighted various key activities of local government institutions and their role in improving the living standards of ordinary people. Discussing different aspects of local government elections, he said the government is committed to holding free, fair and impartial local government elections.

He said the new government has passed into law in Parliament five local government-related ordinances issued by the interim government. The five laws concern city corporations, municipalities, upazila councils, district councils and union councils. The provisions for party nominations and elections using national symbols, which were previously in place, have been abolished under these laws.

The meeting discussed strengthening the capacity of local government institutions, decentralisation and the balance of power, women’s empowerment, addressing climate change, rural infrastructure development, safe water supply and drainage systems.

The two sides also discussed possibilities for cooperation in higher education and skills development through training, as well as mutual cooperation in the renewable energy sector.

The Australian High Commissioner stressed the importance of further strengthening the existing bilateral relations between the two countries. She expressed Australia’s interest in expanding cooperation in various areas, including good governance and women’s empowerment.

At the beginning of the meeting, the minister welcomed the High Commissioner. She congratulated him on assuming his important responsibilities in the new portfolio.

State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said the country’s growing urbanisation has made waste management a major challenge. He stressed the need to turn waste into resources through modern technology and effective management, while also utilising opportunities to generate energy from waste.

He further said increasing the use of renewable energy is essential to ensure environmental protection and sustainable development. In this regard, Australia’s experience, technology and investment could play an important role for Bangladesh.

The state minister called for increased technical cooperation and investment between the two countries in waste management, waste-to-energy generation and renewable energy.

After the meeting, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam briefed journalists on various issues discussed during the meeting.

Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan and senior officials of the ministry were also present.