Sangsad Bhaban, April 9 -- The Parliament on Thursday passed four separate bills allowing the government to appoint administrators to local government bodies for an indefinite period under "special circumstances," despite strong protestations from opposition lawmakers.

The bills-aimed at amending the laws for City Corporations, Zila Parishads, Upazila Parishads, and Municipalities-effectively formalize ordinances previously promulgated by the interim government.

The bills-Local Government (Zila Parishad) (Amendment) Bill, Local Government (Municipality) (Amendment) Bill, Local Government (City Corporation) (Amendment) Bill, and Local Government (Upazila Parishad) (Amendment) Bill-were eventually passed by voice vote after the opposition...