President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stressed the importance of strengthening local government institutions, saying that a stronger local government system is essential for building a stronger and more institutionalized democracy in Bangladesh.

Speaking during a courtesy meeting with administrators from 33 district councils at Bangabhaban on Sunday, the President said democracy must be firmly established through effective local governance and greater decentralization of power.

“Democracy must be institutionalized. To strengthen democracy, we must strengthen local government,” he said.

Describing local government as one of the most important pillars of democracy, the President urged district council administrators to remain vigilant and proactive in overcoming the legacy of corruption left behind by what he referred to as the “fascist era.”

“You must work actively and remain alert to free the system from the corruption inherited from the previous authoritarian period,” he told the administrators.

During the meeting, district council administrators presented several demands, including requests for an upgrade in their official status and administrative rank.

Responding to their concerns, the President assured them that the government would take prompt measures to address legitimate issues.

“This is a government of the people. Necessary steps will be taken quickly to resolve existing problems,” he said.

The President also noted that the government is giving priority to strengthening local government institutions as part of broader efforts to decentralize administrative authority and improve governance across the country.

He expressed gratitude for the role played by district council administrators in movements aimed at restoring democracy and resisting authoritarian rule over the years.

The President further instructed administrators to accelerate development activities under district councils, ensure better delivery of public services at the local level, and maintain transparency and accountability in administration.

The meeting was attended by administrators representing district councils from different parts of the country.