UK Interested in Investing in Energy Sector: Mir Shahe Alam

The United Kingdom has expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh's energy and waste management sectors. Specifically, the country aims to invest in city corporation waste management, medical waste management, and 'waste-to-energy' projects.

State Minister Mir Shahe Alam disclosed this information on Thursday (September 10) following a courtesy meeting between British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke and the Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, along with the State Minister himself.
During the meeting, Sarah Cooke acknowledged the UK's role as a development partner for Bangladesh and affirmed that this cooperation would continue in the future.

She expressed interest in investing in waste management—including city corporation and medical waste—as well as waste-to-energy projects in Bangladesh.

Additionally, the UK showed interest in investing through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It was announced that a team would be formed to facilitate further formal communication regarding this matter.

Discussions on Local Government Elections

Mir Shahe Alam mentioned that local government elections were also discussed during the meeting with the British High Commissioner.

He stated that the government aims to ensure local government elections are free, fair, and impartial, just like national elections. These elections will no longer be held on a party basis; consequently, there will be no party nominations or party symbols involved.

The State Minister noted the government's firm resolve to hold five local government elections within the current fiscal year. The government will provide all necessary support to the Election Commission to ensure the elections are free, fair, and impartial.
Responding to a question about the Awami League's participation in local government elections, Mir Shahe Alam said that since the elections are not being held on a party basis, the question of a specific party's participation does not arise. All eligible and valid candidates may contest the election in accordance with the law.

He mentioned that the BNP has decided to support locally backed candidates. The party's highest policy-making level has instructed local BNP units to try and field a single supported candidate in each union.

However, he also clarified that the BNP would not adopt a distinct party-based stance in the local government elections. Government to Cooperate with the Election Commission

Mir Shahe Alam stated that the government's role in organizing local government elections in a free, fair, and impartial manner will be to cooperate with the Election Commission.

Local and central administrations will provide the necessary support to the Election Commission to ensure the security of valid candidates and enable them to conduct their election campaigns without hindrance.

He further added that all valid candidates meeting the legal eligibility criteria would be able to participate in the local government elections. There are direct directives from the Prime Minister to take all necessary measures to ensure the elections are conducted fairly.