In a recent exchange of views on local government reforms, Professor Dr. Tofail Ahmed, Chairman of the Local Government Reform Committee, emphasized the need for detailed discussions on several key issues regarding local government elections. These included the use of party symbols in elections, reserved seats for women, and the educational qualifications required for candidates participating in elections.

Dr. Ahmed made these comments while addressing as the chief guest at a meeting held at a local hotel in Khulna this morning.

The Committee Chairman noted that the current structure of local government institutions has become dominated by a single person – often the chairman or mayor – whose decisions are uncontested. He pointed out that council meetings are often not held properly, and while the primary role of these institutions is to devise plans, they often fail to give adequate attention to this crucial task.

He said, "This revolution is marked by the sacrifices and bloodshed of many people. If we fail to make use of this opportunity and harness its potential, it may be a long time before we get such a chance again," he warned.

The meeting was attended by several members of the Local Government Reform Commission, including Ferdous Arfina Osman, Advocate Abdur Rahman, Dr. Mahfuz Kabir, Mashuda Khatun Shefali, Dr. Mohammad Tariqul Islam, Ilira Dewan, Professor Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam, and additional Secretary of the Local Government Division, A.K.M. Tariqul Alam.

The event was jointly organized by the Local Government Reform Commission, the Local Government Division, the Khulna District Administration, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).