UZ parishads to start work within 2 days
The government has issued directives to make the upazila parishad system functional in a day or two, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Syed Ashraful Islam said yesterday.
"Necessary directives have been given so that the upazila chairmen and other elected representatives can take charge of their offices in a day or two," Ashraf told journalists at his Secretariat office.
In reaction to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's remark that they eliminated militancy from the country, Ashraf said, "Militancy still exists and we have to root it out from the country right now."
He said BNP had denied the existence of militancy in the country saying it was a creation of the media.
"I have signed a file that will reach upazilas tomorrow [today] or the day after," he said.
The minister said a circular in this regard will be issued in a week detailing the responsibilities of chairmen, vice-chairmen and other representatives.
The circular is now at the law ministry and will be sent to all upazilas once the LGRD and Cooperatives ministry gets it, he said.
"There is a law regarding the upazila parishad system and everything will be done to implement it," he said.
Earlier, he held talks with US Ambassador in Dhaka James Moriarty. They discussed bilateral issues including the country's national election and its return to democracy.
"It was a routine visit of Moriarty. The US, a development partner of Bangladesh, is involved in some projects of the LGRD ministry," said the LGRD minister.
He said the US wanted to see a fair election in Bangladesh, peaceful transfer of power to elected representatives and the country's return to democracy.
"The US played a vital role in this regard," he said.
Asked about Khaleda Zia's challenge to prove the embezzlement of Tk 20,000 crore in power sector during the tenure of previous BNP-led government, the minister said, the army chief has written about it in his book and if she wants to challenge anyone she should confront the army chief.
"One cannot hide the truth by blaming others," he said.
Commenting on the AL's council, which must be held within July 25 as per the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the AL spokesman said a committee headed by party Chief Sheikh Hasina will sit within a few days to bring necessary amendments to it in line with the RPO.
"The amendments will be placed at the council meeting for approval," he said.
If necessary, they would seek extension of the deadline from the Election Commission (EC), Ashraf added.
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