Village governments ruled illegal

The High Court in Bangladesh has declared the country's controversial village governments or Gram Sarkars unconstitutional.
A form of local bodies of nominated members, the Gram Sarkars came into being two years ago.

The government said they were aimed at involving local villagers in developmental work.

But the court ruled that the Gram Sarkars violated the basic principles of democracy based on elections.

It was responding to a petition filed by a local rights group, Bangladesh Legal Aids and Services Trust.

Opposition politicians have alleged that members of many Gram Sarkars were chosen because of their support for the ruling party.

The government says it will appeal against the decision.