The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives has proposed retaining contractors’ security deposits for a period of three years as a warranty to guarantee the quality of rural road construction. This recommendation followed a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and was made during the committee’s inaugural meeting, chaired by AKM Selim Reza Habib, held yesterday.

Committee members received briefings on the ministry’s activities and those of its subordinate agencies, including initiatives launched during the government’s initial 180 days in office. In addition to addressing road construction standards, the committee emphasized the need for enhanced oversight to ensure that officials fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

Further recommendations included identifying arsenic-affected areas nationwide and implementing projects to provide safe drinking water to impacted communities. The committee also urged intensified cleanliness campaigns and public awareness efforts aimed at controlling the Aedes mosquito population to prevent dengue fever outbreaks. Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) were instructed to oversee these cleanliness drives in their respective jurisdictions and to promote necessary public health measures.

Highlighting the importance of transparency and integrity in public service, the committee called on officials to carry out their duties honestly and without favoritism. To strengthen accountability, it recommended the introduction of an online attendance monitoring system for upazila-level officials.

In addition, the committee proposed investigating alleged irregularities and corruption related to certain domestic and internationally funded projects undertaken during the previous administration, advocating for appropriate corrective measures.