Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan voiced optimism on Thursday regarding expanded technical collaboration with Norway aimed at enhancing the operational efficacy and institutional resilience of Bangladesh's local government framework.

According to a Press Information Department (PID) handout, the aspiration was articulated during an official courtesy call by Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Arald Gulbrandsen at the minister's office inside the Secretariat.

Deliberations spanned core governance structures, upcoming municipal and local elections, targeted technical backing across developmental interventions, and expanding female representation within local bodies.

Underscoring foundational needs, the minister emphasized that vital cooperation and technical inputs remain indispensable for fortifying grassroots administrative structures.

He noted that Norway's diverse sectoral expertise could offer valuable benchmarks for Bangladesh's reform trajectory.

Highlighting inclusivity, the minister additionally prioritized scaling up women's active involvement in local governance tiers.

The high-level engagement also featured participation from Alexander Falck-Bilden, Deputy Head of the Norwegian Mission in Bangladesh; Sarwar Jahan Chowdhury, Political Adviser; Dr. Abu Nasr Mohammad Abdullah, Additional Secretary of the Local Government Division; alongside other senior ministry officials.