Local government elections will be held as soon as possible, says minister Fakhrul

He says law and order has “improved” and macroeconomic stability is returning

The government will move quickly to restore elected local administrations, Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said.

On Wednesday, his first day in office, Fakhrul said decisions on the polls would follow without delay, suggesting that long-delayed local government elections could be held soon as the country emerges from political upheaval and a period of administrative vacuum.

Asked when elections to union, Upazila, and district councils could take place, Fakhrul said: “As soon as possible, we will arrange elections in these bodies. We will take a decision on this promptly.”

After assuming office following the July Uprising, the interim government removed mayors, Upazila chairmen and councillors elected during the Awami League’s tenure.

Union Parishad chairmen and members, however, have not been removed, though many remain in jail or are away from their localities.

When asked about the government’s position on the Awami League, which is banned from all sorts of political activities, Fakhrul said: “This will be communicated politically after discussions within the government.”

On the state of law and order, Fakhrul said: “It is not as bad as it may seem. Law and order has improved compared with before, and macroeconomic stability has largely returned.

“Banks are under better control. Coordinated efforts will further improve the situation.”

On how the government plans to tackle mob violence, Fakhrul said it would certainly be brought under control.

“Any deficiencies in law and order need to be improved.

“A major storm has passed over us. There has been a revolution, an uprising, a mass movement. No reason to think everything will be fixed overnight in such a moment,” he added.