Local Government Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has called for closer, coordinated cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to build the capacity and effectiveness of the country's local government institutions.

The minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting on Tuesday with Stephen Rodriques, UNDP's Resident Representative in Bangladesh, at his office in the Secretariat. State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam also attended the meeting.

Discussions centered on strengthening local government institutions, preparations for the upcoming local government elections, and plans for joint training programs for stakeholders ahead of the polls. The two sides also discussed implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNDP's continued support for various development projects in the country.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Khan said enhancing the capacity of local government bodies is essential to delivering public services at the grassroots level. He noted that UNDP's technical expertise in skills development and institutional capacity-building at the local level could prove valuable to the government's efforts.

He added that strengthening local governance is directly linked to the country's overall development and to achieving the SDGs, making it necessary to take more effective initiatives in the sector in partnership with development allies.

State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said training programs are crucial for improving the readiness and skills of election stakeholders ahead of the local government polls. He said organizing such programs jointly with UNDP would play a positive role in boosting the capacity of the local government system.

The meeting was also attended by Local Government Division Secretary Md. Shahidul Hasan; UNDP Assistant Resident Representatives Sardar Asaduzzaman and Anwarul Haque; International Project Manager Yugesh Pradhanang; and senior officials of the ministry.