No room for irregularities in local polls: State Minister

The government will not allow any irregularities or disorder in upcoming local government elections, said State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam on Thursday.

He said the government has begun preparations to complete elections to all union parishads across the country between January and June next year.

Speaking at a view exchange with journalists at the Gaibandha Circuit House, the state minister said the government was committed to holding all future local government elections in a free, fair, impartial and credible manner.

“If necessary, the army will be deployed in every election to ensure people can exercise their voting rights.''

Shahe Alam said regular elections were essential to make local government institutions effective and people-oriented. The government is therefore moving ahead with preparations to complete all union parishad elections within the January-June window next year, he added.

He said all necessary measures would be taken to ensure voters can cast their ballots without obstruction.

“There will be no scope for any kind of irregularity or disorder in the conduct of elections.''

Rooftop solar push

The minister also outlined government initiatives to address the country’s ongoing power shortage.

He said steps were being taken to expand rooftop solar systems to help meet electricity demand and reduce pressure on the national grid.

Under the proposed system, electricity generated by rooftop solar installations would first meet the power needs of the respective buildings or institutions, while surplus electricity would be supplied to the national grid.

He said expanding renewable energy use, particularly rooftop solar, could help increase electricity generation, reduce pressure on the conventional power system and bring positive changes to energy management.

Fertiliser shortage claims

On fertiliser supplies, Shahe Alam alleged that an artificial fertiliser shortage had been created in areas represented by opposition lawmakers as part of an attempt to damage the government’s reputation.

He did not provide details or evidence supporting the allegation.

Earlier, upon his arrival in Gaibandha, the state minister received a guard of honour from the district administration at the Circuit House.

After meeting local journalists, he attended a meeting on law and order organised by the district administration.