Dhaka, May 6 -- The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD) has sought an additional Tk 9.0 billion for the current fiscal year (FY 2025-26) to meet urgent development needs across local government institutions, from Union Parishads to city corporations.

While the move aims to support the government's short-term reform agenda and expand citizen services, it has raised concerns within the Planning Commission over transparency, oversight and the effective use of funds.

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently sent a demi-official (DO) letter to Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, seeking a total of Tk 40.0 billion as development assistance for local government institutions - 29.03 per cent higher than ...