'Strengthen local govts'

Speakers at a seminar held here yesterday underscored the need for strengthening the local government institutions.
Pabna district administration organised the seminar, 'Orientation for Local Government Support Project (LGSP).' Held at Pabna Zila Parishad Rashid Hall, Pabna Deputy Commissioner Md Golam Mowla presided as chief guest.
Terming Union Parishad (UP) as the oldest local government body, speakers stressed on activating the Ups.
Speakers disclosed that the World Bank gave Tk 1,421 crore as loan to the LGSP project to strengthen the local government bodies.
A total of 49 unions in 24 upazilas of Pabna, Natore and Sirajganj are under the LGSP project.
Among others, director of Local Government Department Md Akmal Hossain, chief executive officer of Pabna Zila Parishad Md Sadar Ali Biswas, additional deputy commissioner (ADC, General) Md Mahbubul Alam and World Bank consultant Abdullah Sadik addressed.
Twenty-four Upazila Nirbahi Officers, 49 UP chairmen and 49 secretaries of Pabna, Natore and Sirajganj districts took part.