Local Government Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan on Friday said politics should be driven by public welfare rather than the pursuit of power, urging elected representatives to put people's rights ahead of personal and partisan interests.

Speaking at a National Teachers' Day 2026 discussion at his residence office in Gulshan, Dhaka, Moyeen Khan said democracy must be strengthened at the grassroots.

The event brought together teachers of The Millennium University and representatives of several NGOs.

Reflecting on his 35 years in politics, the minister said he had sought public acceptance through service rather than spending money or offering hospitality to secure votes.

He said elected representatives must remain accountable to citizens, while voters also bear responsibility for choosing capable leaders.

Moyeen Khan backed non-partisan local government elections, arguing that removing party affiliations from local contests could reduce political hostility.

He identified improving public services and holding elections across all five tiers of local government as key priorities.

Voters, he said, must be able to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.

Turning to rural development, the minister acknowledged the contribution of NGOs to poverty reduction, social welfare and improving living standards.

He called for closer coordination between local government institutions and NGOs to improve the delivery of development programmes.

Advocate Rokhsana Khondker, chairperson of the boards of trustees of The Millennium University and the Khan Foundation, urged NGOs to reduce their dependence on donors and strengthen financial independence.

With development funding becoming increasingly constrained, she proposed mobilising local resources and expanding cooperation between public and private institutions.

She said government khas land, ponds and other local assets could be used to support community development initiatives.

The Khan Foundation's website was also launched at the event.

The Millennium University Vice Chancellor Professor Abhinay Chandra Saha, Khan Foundation Executive Director Mahmuda Khatun, university teachers and NGO representatives attended the programme.