DHAKA, Oct 30, 2024 (BSS) - Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Adviser A. F. Hassan Ariff today said the tenure of the government in Bangladesh should be four years. 

"The tenure of running the state which is five years in the constitution, should be four years (in Bangladesh)," he said while exchanging views with Bangladesh Secretariat Reports' Forum (BSRF) here.

Referring to the four-year tenure of government in the USA, the most powerful country in the world, he said, "So, where is the problem to have four-year tenure (of government) in Bangladesh to run the state. This is my personal opinion." 

The adviser said previously the tenure of Union Parishad (UP) was three years which was later extended to five years.

"There is no instance of getting any benefit of extending the tenure of Union Parishad by two years. Even no evaluation has been made to know about this. My personal opinion regarding the Union Parishad is that the tenure of the parishad chairmen and members should be three years," he said.

If the tenure of the UP is made three years, then elected representatives could sit in the parishad for five times in 15 years, the adviser said.

"So, more elected representatives will get the chance to work in the organizations (UPs)," he added. 

Replying to a question about removal of the existing UP chairmen and members, Ariff said no decision is yet to take to this end.

The adviser said they have already appointed the government officers as administrators to the city corporations and municipalities so that the services of the organizations are not hampered. 

"We have completed ground works in this regard. Administrators will be appointed in the city corporations and municipalities for full time to ensure uninterrupted services for the citizens," he said.

About the ongoing Dengue situation, the adviser said two teams comprising relevant experts have already been formed in the two city corporations (in Dhaka). 

Apart from this, 10 special committees have been formed across the country, he added. 

"There is not much work on research and development in our country. The teams will pay due attention to research and development to check the dengue," he said.

BSRF Fasiuddin Mahatab presided over the meeting while its general secretary Masudul Haque moderated it.