Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan has expressed the government’s expectation of working closely with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of local government institutions across the country.

The minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Stephen Rodriguez at his office in the Secretariat on Tuesday (September 15). State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam was also present at the meeting.

The meeting discussed various aspects of improving and strengthening the local government system, the upcoming local government elections, and the possibility of arranging joint training programmes for stakeholders ahead of the elections.

The discussions also covered UNDP cooperation in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and various development projects.

Minister Abdul Moin Khan said strengthening the capacity of local government institutions is essential to ensure government services reach people at their doorsteps.

He said UNDP’s technical expertise could support the government in improving skills and institutional capacity at the local level.

He further said strengthening local government is directly linked to the country’s overall development and the implementation of the SDGs. Therefore, he stressed the need for more effective initiatives in the sector through mutual cooperation with development partners.

State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said training programmes are important for preparing stakeholders and enhancing their skills ahead of the local government elections. He said jointly organising such programmes with UNDP could play a positive role in strengthening the capacity of the local government system.

Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, UNDP Assistant Resident Representatives Sardar Asaduzzaman and Anwarul Haque, International Project Manager Yugesh Pradhanang, and senior officials of the ministry were present at the meeting.