The government has taken initiatives to reintroduce the self-reliant "Gram Sarkar" (Village Government) system to make local government systems more robust and effective. Work is underway to implement this mechanism to resolve small-scale village-level problems locally. At the same time, preparations are being made to hold elections for nearly 5,000 Union Councils across the country in phases. Tariq Rahman’s government aims to create a new history of fair elections by ensuring citizens' voting rights in these elections.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration and reception ceremony of the Bogura Television Reporters Unity on Thursday (November 12) at 12:00 PM, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mir Shahe Alam MP, made these remarks.
Mentioning that there are five powerful institutions under the Local Government Division, the State Minister said that the Proclaimer of Independence, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, established the Gram Sarkar in 1976. Through this system, various village-level problems were resolved locally. After it was shut down in 1982, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia re-established the Gram Sarkar in 2003, with activities beginning in 2006. Later, the fascist Sheikh Hasina government repealed that law. The current humanitarian Prime Minister, Tariq Rahman, has directed the re-enactment of the Gram Sarkar Act. The government is working accordingly, and the self-reliant Gram Sarkar system is set to rejoin the local government framework. This will make it possible to solve minor village problems right within the village.
Regarding the Union Council elections, Mir Shahe Alam said that elections might take place in the first phase around January 21, and in subsequent phases on January 4 or 6. Following Ramadan, there are plans to conduct elections for nearly 5,000 Union Councils nationwide in phases. Voting rights for the people will be ensured in these elections. He stated, "We will not allow the voting rights for which we fought over the last 20 years under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and Tariq Rahman to be compromised. Tariq Rahman’s government wants to create a history of fair elections."
Regarding politically banned organizations, the State Minister said that talking about or publishing news regarding such organizations is unwarranted. They are attempting sabotage. However, he noted that both the ruling party and the opposition have reached a consensus on the issue of fascism.
Regarding the passport of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he remarked that a convict sentenced to death for crimes against humanity is not entitled to a passport like an ordinary citizen. She has been tried under the very laws enacted by Hasina herself, and the verdict of that trial will certainly be implemented.
Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Atiqur Rahman Rumon, spoke as the keynote speaker at the event. Recalling memories from his journalism career, he shared that he started journalism as an artist with the encouragement of Dr. Zahid Kamal, editor of Dainik Aj o Agami Kal, after which journalism became his passion. He urged everyone to remain united for the development of Bogura.
During the event, posthumous honors were presented to eight deceased journalists, and lifetime achievement awards were given to six journalists. Posthumous honors were awarded to Aman Ullah Khan, Zahedur Rahman Jadu, Khandaker Abdur Rahim Hiru, Rabiul Haque Khan, Sheikh Mahbub Hossain Lemon, Abdur Rouf Jalal, Kamlesh Mohanta Shanu, and Iqbal Morshed Ripon. Lifetime achievement awards were presented to Wasigur Rahman Bechan, Mir Sajjad Ali Santosh, Abdur Rahim Bogra, Motiul Islam Sadi, Chapal Kanti Saha, and Atiqur Rahman Rumon.
Presided over by Aminur Rahman Mohan Akond, President of the Bogura Television Reporters Unity, and conducted by General Secretary Meherul Sujan, the event was also attended by Bogura City Corporation Administrator M.R. Islam Swadhin, District Council Administrator Ahsanul Tayeb Zakir, Deputy Commissioner Toufiqur Rahman, TMSS Executive Director Dr. Hosne Ara Begum, Dainik Karatoa Editor Mozammel Haque Lalu, Journalists' Union General Secretary S.M. Abu Said, Additional Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman, along with journalists from various levels and prominent figures.
