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“Local government elections will be held soon, and your tenure is temporary. You have been given this responsibility only until the elections,” sources quoted him as also saying in the nearly two-hour meeting.

He also directed the administrators to use district council funds, including allocations received from the ministry, with honesty, dedication, and a clear focus on public welfare.

He said their performance would remain under close watch until elections to the posts were held.

At the meeting, Tarique said the government wants to turn the zilla parishads into stronger and more functional institutions -- ones the public can view as people‑oriented and welfare‑driven.

He asked the administrators to maintain good relations with lawmakers, party leaders, and activists and to work in coordination with the local administration.

Tarique also instructed them to help create conducive conditions for the upcoming local government elections.

The meeting also heard views from some of the administrators about the current state of the district councils.

Contacted, Syed Emran Saleh Prince, administrator of Mymensingh Zilla Parishad and BNP joint secretary general, said the institution had been badly weakened over the years. “The Awami League has completely destroyed this institution. They left behind commission business, irregularities, and a percentage-based system. So now there are no funds,” he said.