Local government elections to start in October

Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has announced that local government elections will begin in October this year and conclude by October next year. 

He made the statement during the weekly briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday regarding the progress of various government activities. 

The Information Adviser added that the Election Commission is already preparing a roadmap in advance for the local government elections. 

Dr Zahed Ur Rahman further stated that the July Museum will be inaugurated before August 5. 

He emphasised that this is the government of July, and therefore any criticism of the July Uprising and July fighters is not desirable in any way. 

He mentioned that an investigation will be conducted into the cocktail explosion incident at the NCP public meeting in Savar, and those involved will be arrested and face legal action. 

Dr Zahed described making insults or comments about July as very tragic. However, he noted that according to the legal framework, such comments do not necessarily constitute a crime, and discussions can continue on whether they should be treated as a criminal offence. 

Regarding additional electricity bills, he said an investigation would be carried out into public complaints from last June and appropriate action would be taken. 

On the issue of unsafe food management, the adviser stated that legal action would be pursued. 

He highlighted that many harmful chemicals are used in food products during cultivation and storage, posing risks to health. It has been decided to collect data from food traders nationwide and create a database. Awareness efforts will be combined with legal measures to prevent unsafe food practices. 

He also noted that there is currently 900,000 metric tonnes more food in storage than the government's target.