Local govt elections to begin in October: Adviser Zahed

Local government elections will begin in October and are expected to be completed by October next year, said Prime Minister‍‍`s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman.

He made the remarks during the government‍‍`s weekly briefing on the progress of various activities at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

The information adviser said the Election Commission has already started preparing a roadmap ahead of the local government elections.

Addressing complaints over excessive electricity bills, Zahed Ur Rahman said allegations received from customers regarding unusually high bills in June would be investigated and necessary action would be taken.

He also said legal measures would be taken to prevent unsafe food management practices. The adviser noted that various chemicals harmful to public health are used at different stages of food production and storage in the country. As part of efforts to address the issue, the government has decided to collect information on food businesses and create a database.

He added that authorities would raise awareness among people involved in the food sector and take action under existing laws to prevent unsafe food practices.

Regarding the cocktail explosion at an NCP rally in Savar, the information adviser said the incident would be investigated. Those involved would be identified, arrested and brought under legal action, he said.

Zahed Ur Rahman also commented on derogatory remarks about the July uprising, saying such comments were deeply distressing. However, he said they do not currently fall under criminal offences according to the existing legal framework. Discussions may take place on whether such remarks should be treated as criminal offences, he added.

Speaking about leaders of the banned Awami League, the information adviser said some of those staying in India and allegedly carrying out activities against Bangladesh have already been convicted, while arrest warrants have been issued against many others. He said efforts are underway to bring them back to Bangladesh, though he does not believe they have the ability to carry out any major actions against the country.