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The PM said, “You [public representatives] will have to stand against drug abuse, terrorism, and militancy. You will have to pay special attention so that no one can be involved in these.”

Over 9,000 public representatives of 5,474 local government bodies -- 12 city corporations, 61 zilla parishads, 329 municipalities, 495 upazila parishads, and 4,577 union parishads -- took part in the event organised by the Local Government Division.

Hasina said, “As people have voted for you once, you have to earn the trust and confidence of the people so they can vote for you again.”

Referring to the construction of 560 model mosques by the government, the premier said they are also providing money for renovating temples and other places of worship.

“The government will do whatever is necessary for the development of mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas.”

“We’ve made this country independent together. This country is a country of non-communal spirit and will continue to be so.”

Hasina also asked the public representatives to pay attention to the community clinics so it can render proper services.

She laid emphasis on creating awareness so that the overseas jobseekers are not deceived by the middlemen, rather they can take loans from the banks, particularly Probashi Kallyan Bank, which offers them loans without collateral.

Mentioning that there are many dirt roads in villages, she said if her party gets the scope to serve the people again, they will develop these roads. “Every village will be developed like a town.”

Hasina asked all to be positive about the recently introduced universal pension scheme.

She called upon everyone to be conscious about dengue and use mosquito nets alongside keeping their homes and surroundings clean.

Regarding the subsidy in power, Hasina said now only the rich are enjoying the full benefits of the subsidy and that is why she has ordered to provide a safeguard in the use of electricity for the common people.

Hasina said when the use of electricity goes up to a certain level, the price will also increase. “We will do it slowly and then we will be able to protect those who consume less power. Those who use more power will pay more.”

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam presided over the event, while State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Swapan Bhattacharjee and Local Government Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim spoke on the occasion.

Several public representatives also spoke at the event.