Dhaka, April 9 -- Parliament has passed five amendment bills for local government bodies, retaining provisions that allow the removal of elected representatives and the appointment of administrators under "special circumstances" or in the public interest.

The move, carried over from ordinances issued during the interim government, drew sharp objections from the Opposition, which questioned its constitutionality on Thursday.

The government, however, said the provisions are necessary to keep services running and pave the way for elections.

The bills passed include amendments to the union, Upazila, and district councils, alongside municipality, and city corporation laws.

All were tabled, taken up for immediate consideration, and passed b...