Photo : PID

DHAKA, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) - LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan today laid emphasis on further strengthening the local government system to improve people's quality of life and reinforce democratic practices in the country.

He put the emphasis when Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle paid a courtesy call on him at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here, said an official handout.

LGRD and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam was present.

Moyeen Khan at the meeting highlighted several steps taken by local government institutions to improve people's living standards.

Referring to different aspects of the local government election system, he said the government is committed to holding free, fair and impartial local government elections.

The minister said the new government passed five local government-related ordinances issued by the interim government as laws in the Jatiya Sanhsad (JS).

The five laws concerning city corporations, municipalities, upazila parishads, zila parishads and union parishads have abolished the provisions for party nominations and elections using national party symbols, he added.

The meeting discussed strengthening the capacity of local government institutions, decentralisation and balance of power, women's empowerment, climate change, rural infrastructure development, safe water supply and drainage systems.

The meeting also addressed prospects for cooperation in training for higher education and skills development as well as mutual cooperation in the renewable energy sector.

The Australian high commissioner discussed avenues for further strengthening the existing bilateral relations between the countries.

Susan Ryle expressed Australia's interest in expanding cooperation in various areas, including good governance and women empowerment.

At the outset of the meeting, the Moyeen Khan welcomed the high commissioner while the envoy congratulated him on assuming the important responsibility of his new portfolio.

Mir Shahe Alam said waste management poses a major challenge in the country amid rapid urbanisation.

He stressed turning waste into resources through modern technology and effective management as well as utilising opportunities for generating energy from waste.

The state minister further said increasing the use of renewable energy is essential to ensure environmental protection and sustainable development.

Australia's experience, technology and investment could play an important role in this regard, he added.

Shahe Alam urged for increasing technical cooperation and investment between the two countries in waste management, waste-to-energy generation and renewable energy.

Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hassan and other senior officials of the ministry were present at the meeting.