Dhaka, Oct. 11 -- Security forces are not yet fully ready for Bangladesh's local government elections, the parliamentary committee chairman overseeing the ministry says, urging authorities to give them more time to prepare.

AKM Selim Reza Habib, chief of the parliamentary standing committee on the local government ministry, however, expects the polls to be held early next year.

He made the remarks after the committee's first meeting at the parliament complex on Sunday.

"Law-enforcing agencies are not yet fully prepared for conducting elections of this kind," he said.

Habib described local government elections as more complex and risky than national polls, citing candidates' personal interests and attempts to exert influence.

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