Union councils demonstrate across country

Their demands include enhancement of budgetary allocation for development activities under local bodies, authority to collect taxes and lease markets, water bodies and government lands and an end to 'interference' in their activities by local lawmakers.

They are also demanding fixation of salaries at Tk 5,000 and Tk 3,000 for union council chairmen and members respectively and authority to recruit village police.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Our RU Correspondent reported that chairmen and members of 71 union councils in Rajshahi district held a rally , brought out a procession and submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner to press their demands.

The procession, led by Rajshahi Divisional Convener of Bangladesh Union Council Forum, Bazley Rezbi Al Hasan Munzil, followed a rally held on Rajshahi court premises with Puthia Union Council Chairman Waezul Islam in the chair.

Speakers at the rally alleged that the government is squeezed income sources of union councils while local lawmakers are interfering in their activities. These hamper their activities.

They urged the government to fulfil their demands and threatened of tougher agitation for non-compliance.

In Gaibandha chairmen and members of 82 union councils in held a rally in front of the Shaheed Miner with Amanul Huq Mona in the chair, our correspondent reported.

Similar programmes were also organised in 15 other northern districts.

Speakers at the rally urged the government to turn local bodies at grassroots levels as centres for all development activities.

In Rangpur, the Union Council leaders paraded streets on the town after a rally and handed over a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner.

At the rally, they urged the government to empower local bodies as per Articles 59, and 60 of the Constitution and hold upazila council election following a High Court directive issued in 1992.