The allocation for the local government bodies in the national budget is inadequate. Moreover, the allocation is not directly given to them, said Prof Tofael Ahmed of Chittagong University in his keynote paper.

The Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) organised the function to distribute the 'Local Government Affairs Media Award 2003'.

Two newspapers and three journalists were awarded at the ceremony held at the National Press Club.

Rashed Mehedi of the Bhorer Kagoj, Joyonto Acharya of the weekly 2000 and columnist Sohrab Hasan of the daily Sangbad received the awards for their write-ups.

Golam Sarwar, editor of the daily Jugantar, and Mozammel Haque, editor of the daily Karatoa, received prizes on behalf of their newspapers.

Speaking as chief guest, LGRD Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan underscored the need for strengthening the union parishads (UP) and pourasavas to make the local government more effective.

"If the local government becomes powerful, poverty reduction and development of the country will be faster," he said.

The government has taken necessary steps to impart proper training to the UP chairmen, the minister said, adding that a proposal has also been sent to the finance ministry for direct allocation to the local government.

Reazuddin Ahmed, president of the National Press Club, said local government needs to be more active and independent.

The authority of the local government should also be clearly defined, he added.

William J Cartier, chief of party, Local Government Initiative, ARD, and Saiful Islam, president of Local Government Development Journalists' Forum, also spoke.