PM tells district council chairpersons to perform with integrity

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged newly elected district council representatives to perform their duties with integrity and devotion.

"Your goal should be to serve people," she said after the newly elected chairman of 59 district councils took oath at her office on Wednesday.

"We have proved time and again that we are not here to enjoy power only," the premier said.

"Our aim is to free the country from hunger and poverty and that is true for you as well," she told the oath ceremony.

The Awami League president said a district council chairperson can make a difference because the position carries much power.

"We have already assigned them (district councils) a number of responsibilities. They have plenty of power to serve people and make developments in their respective zones."

Cabinet members, MPs and party activists were present at the oath taking ceremony.

Those elected to general and reserved seats of district councils will take oath at Dhaka's Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Jan 18, said LGRD Secretary Abdul Malek.

District Council Polls were held in 61 districts across the country on Dec 28 last year.

Three hill districts were excluded from the unprecedented election.

Polling in Kushtia and Bogra were stopped following court orders

Twenty-one of the candidates were elected uncontested in the election that BNP and Jatiya Party boycotted.

Awami League backed and rebel candidates secured victory in 38 districts.

One chairman, 15 general members and five reserved seat members were elected at each of the districts.