Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan today said there is no alternative to building a strong local government system to institutionalise democracy and ensure people's participation and accountability.

"Unless the foundation of democracy is strengthened at the grassroots level, it is not possible to consolidate the overall democratic structure of the state," he said.

He made the remarks when Switzerland's Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli paid a courtesy call on him at his office in the secretariat. State Minister Mir Shahe Alam was present on the occasion.

During the meeting, the minister said that in a densely populated country like Bangladesh, a strong and effective local government system is specially needed in delivering government services to people's doorsteps. 

He also stressed increasing the financial capacity of local government institutions alongside transforming the country's vast population into a skilled workforce.

Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said genuine decentralisation is necessary to make local government truly effective and strong, adding these institutions can be further strengthened by expanding the scope for decision-making at the local level and people's participation. 

He also mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to holding free, fair and impartial local government elections.

The meeting discussed various bilateral issues, including strengthening mutual relations between the two countries, reinforcing democracy and the local government system, increasing rural women's participation in economic activities and addressing the impact of climate change.

The Switzerland's Ambassador highlighted the existing friendly relations between the two countries and expressed interest in enhancing cooperation in various fields. 

Reto Renggli stressed exchanging mutual experiences in areas such as increasing the capacity and public accountability of local government institutions and women's empowerment.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Mir Shahe Alam said the meeting discussed various aspects of further strengthening and enriching the local government system alongside consolidating democracy. 

Both sides agreed on increasing the financial capacity of local government institutions, decentralisation of power and enhancing people's participation at the grassroots level, he said.

He further said there is scope for cooperation between Bangladesh and Switzerland in increasing women's involvement in the rural economy, addressing the challenges of climate change and exchanging experiences on local government elections. 

He hoped that mutual cooperation and exchange of experiences in these areas would further strengthen relations between the two countries.

Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, along with senior officials of the ministry, were present at the meeting.