Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan has called on everyone to play a responsible role in preserving the democratic environment and stability, saying the government is ready to listen to constructive criticism.

Speaking at a discussion meeting on the development activities of the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) on Friday at the department's auditorium in Kakrail, the minister said the government would take steps to correct any mistakes in its work if they were pointed out.

However, he urged critics not to rely on false information or propaganda.

Pledging to work with accountability as an elected government of the people, the minister said officials and employees at every level of government are servants of the public.

The goal of all, he said, should be the welfare of the people and establishing Bangladesh as a developed and respected country in the world.

He also urged officials to keep serving people with dedication despite limited resources.

Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said the DPHE's activities should not depend solely on development projects but should be run according to the needs of people at the grassroots level.

He stressed strengthening the maintenance of existing infrastructure, turning waste into a resource, and reducing the use of groundwater through long-term planning.

Mir Shahe Alam said the DPHE needs a separate fund and adequate allocation for regular maintenance at the field level. He also emphasised waste-to-energy initiatives in big cities and low-cost waste management in small municipalities and upazilas.

The state minister further spoke of increasing the supply of safe water by treating river and pond water, which would ease pressure on groundwater.

Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, DPHE Chief Engineer Md Zamanur Rahman and senior officials of the ministry and the department were present at the meeting.

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