Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said a government elected by the people's votes must work quickly and effectively to fulfil their expectations.

“Public representatives are elected by the people and perform their responsibilities. After five years, they will again have to face the test before the people. Therefore, ensuring services to the people and remaining accountable to them for their actions are the responsibilities of an elected government,” he said.

The minister made the remarks on Saturday while addressing a review meeting on “Solar Power, Dengue Prevention and Development Programmes” organised by the Local Government Division at the Multipurpose Hall of the Cooperative Bhaban in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar as the chief guest.

The local government minister said the goal of both government officials and elected representatives is to serve the people.

“Development activities must be implemented quickly while ensuring the maximum use of limited resources,” he said.

He said solar power can play an important role in addressing the electricity problem.

“Alongside installing solar panels on the rooftops of Union Parishad and Upazila Parishad buildings, people should also be encouraged to install solar panels on rooftops at the rural level,” he said.

“If surplus electricity generated during the day can be stored in batteries and used at night, dependence on the national grid will decrease,” he added.

Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari stressed honesty, transparency and efficiency in implementing government services and development projects at the grassroots level.

He said honesty and professional efficiency are being given priority in postings and promotions.

He also urged field administration officials to consider their workplaces as their own areas and perform their duties with sincerity.

Speaking as another special guest, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said the role of the upazila administration is important for successfully implementing the government's welfare programmes.

“Over the next four years, Family Cards and Farmer Cards will be delivered to all families and farmers in phases,” he said.

He also said licences would be issued soon after verifying the list of fertiliser dealers.

Regarding infrastructure, the state minister said concrete and Uni-blocks should be used instead of bricks on small rural roads, drainage systems should be introduced on roads in haat-bazaar and port areas, and a safe distance should be maintained when excavating ponds alongside roads.

He also called for assessing the potential of producing organic fertiliser and electricity from waste and encouraged educational institutions to organise annual sports and cultural competitions.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Public Administration Ministry Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Dr Rafiqul I Mohamed, Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque and Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, among other senior officials, attended the meeting.

Chief executive officers of all city corporations, deputy directors (local government) of districts, upazila nirbahi officers and administrators of municipalities were also present.