Strong Local Government Is Vital To Establish Democracy: LGRD Minister
Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, stated that building a strong local government system is essential to institutionalize democracy and ensure public participation and accountability. During a courtesy meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Reto Renggli at his office in the Secretariat on Sunday, September 13, he emphasized that consolidating the overall democratic structure of the state is impossible without strengthening its grassroots foundation. State Minister for Local Government Mr. Mir Shahe Alam was also present during the discussions.
Highlighting the unique challenges of a densely populated nation, the Minister noted that an effective local government framework is vital for delivering public services directly to citizens’ doorsteps. He stressed the importance of genuine decentralization, enhancing the financial capacity of local institutions, and transforming the country’s vast population into skilled human resources. Furthermore, he noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is firmly committed to ensuring free, fair, and impartial local government elections to maximize local decision-making opportunities.
Swiss Ambassador Mr. Reto Renggli praised the enduring friendly ties between Bangladesh and Switzerland and expressed a strong desire to expand bilateral cooperation into new areas. Both sides discussed critical issues such as reinforcing democratic institutions, increasing rural women’s participation in economic activities, and addressing pressing climate change challenges. The Ambassador highlighted the value of mutual experience sharing to improve institutional capacity, enhance public accountability, and advance women’s empowerment across the nation.
Following the formal discussions, State Minister Mr. Mir Shahe Alam briefed journalists on the outcomes, confirming that both nations explored avenues to deepen bilateral relations through targeted technical collaboration. He expressed optimism that cooperative efforts in local governance reform, rural economic engagement, and electoral processes would yield effective, long-lasting benefits. Senior ministry officials, including Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hasan, participated in the high-level diplomatic meeting.
