Dhaka, Feb. 18 -- The government will move quickly to restore elected local administrations, Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said.

On Wednesday, his first day in office, Fakhrul said decisions on the polls would follow without delay, suggesting that long-delayed local government elections could be held soon as the country emerges from political upheaval and a period of administrative vacuum.

Asked when elections to union, Upazila, and district councils could take place, Fakhrul said: "As soon as possible, we will arrange elections in these bodies. We will take a decision on this promptly."

After assuming office following the July Uprising, the interim government removed mayors, Upazila chairmen and councillors...