Strong local govt a must for sustainable democracy

Speakers say at book launching ceremony

8 April 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

Strong local government system and the people's empowerment should be ensured for sustainable democracy and development, speakers at a book launching ceremony said yesterday. They also said the lawmakers should have a role to play in preparing the national budget. The launching ceremony of the book titled 'Local Government and Political Reforms: Keys to Poverty Reduction' by Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, secretary of Shujan (Citizens for Good Governance), was held at the Jatiya Press Club. Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain said the empowerment of people at grassroots level is a century-old dream of the nation. Empowering the people will strengthen our democracy, he added. Eminent economist Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said it would be possible to ensure development of the country and reduce poverty if grassroots people become the source of all power. Dr Akbar Ali Khan, former adviser to a caretaker government, said the country doesn't have a strong local government system. A strong system is a must for real empowerment of the people. Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui presided over the book launching ceremony. The book is a compilation of columns and essays written by Badiul Alam Majumder. It contains eight chapters on various issues including local government, constitutional provisions, challenges to create a system of true local democracy, electoral system, parliament and the role of civil society.