A Step Towards Good Governance

Local government plays a crucial role in ensuring public welfare and development. Over the years, various initiatives have been taken to enhance the effectiveness of local governance in Bangladesh. However, significant challenges remain, hindering the efficient management of local government institutions. Based on experience working with local government and considering the recent reform initiatives of Bangladesh’s interim government, the following recommendations are proposed to restructure and strengthen the Local Government Division.

1. Representation System Based on Population or Voter Count

Currently, representation is determined based on geographical divisions, leading to equal representation in both densely populated and sparsely populated areas, creating an imbalance. To address this issue, a system should be introduced where representation is determined based on population size or voter count. This approach would ensure fair and proportional representation, balancing service distribution between high- and low-population areas. Additionally, electoral constituencies should be reviewed and adjusted regularly based on population data analysis.

2. Clearly Defining Roles and Responsibilities

For a well-structured local government system, the roles and responsibilities of elected representatives must be clearly defined. At present, ambiguity in responsibilities leads to administrative conflicts, power struggles, and disputes between different tiers of local government. A clear legal framework should be established to define the specific functions of each level of local government (Union Parishad, Upazila Parishad, Zila Parishad, and City Corporations). A structured service delivery mechanism should be implemented with periodic evaluations and updates.

3. Ensuring Equal Status for Women Representatives

Women elected in reserved seats often have different responsibilities and authority compared to those elected in general seats. This division should be clearly identified and eliminated where necessary. Legal reforms, leadership development training, and gender-sensitive policy implementation are essential to ensure equal opportunities and responsibilities for women representatives. Furthermore, mentoring programs, leadership development opportunities, and supportive policies should be introduced to enhance women's leadership capabilities.

4. Adequate Training for Elected Representatives

Many elected representatives assume office without adequate knowledge of administrative skills, financial management, and policy implementation. To bridge this gap, a mandatory training program should be introduced covering governance policies, budget planning, legal frameworks, and public service management. Regular capacity-building programs should be conducted to enhance decision-making abilities and improve development planning execution.

5. Avoiding Duplication in Service Delivery

Due to unclear responsibility allocation, multiple levels of local government often provide the same services, creating administrative inefficiencies. To streamline services, local government tiers (Union, Upazila, Zila, and City Corporations) should have clearly defined responsibilities to eliminate duplication. Additionally, technological support and database integration should be used to facilitate information sharing and collaboration among different agencies.

6. Resolving Conflicts Between Local Government and Local Administration

Conflicts between elected representatives and local administration officials pose a major obstacle to good governance. Power struggles and lack of coordination often exacerbate these issues. Clear guidelines should be established to resolve such conflicts, ensuring that elected representatives and government officials perform their respective duties effectively. Regular coordination meetings, joint action plans, and formal conflict resolution mechanisms should be introduced.

7. Ensuring Accountability of Elected Representatives

Robust mechanisms should be in place to ensure accountability of elected representatives to the public. Transparency can be enhanced through public hearings, social audits, and citizen feedback systems. An independent oversight body should be established to evaluate local government activities, conduct financial audits, and strengthen administrative supervision. Additionally, performance evaluations of elected representatives should be made public to improve their effectiveness.

8. Rationalizing the Number of Standing Committees

The number of standing committees in local government should be reassessed and reduced if necessary. Many committees become ineffective due to unclear mandates or a lack of adequate resources. A well-structured committee framework should be established with clear objectives, performance indicators, and accountability mechanisms. Regular evaluations should be conducted to assess their effectiveness, and structural changes should be made if needed.

Conclusion

Reforming Bangladesh’s Local Government Division is essential to ensuring good governance and providing more effective services to the public. The recommendations outlined above are based on practical experience and a thorough analysis of the challenges faced by local government institutions in Bangladesh. It is hoped that policymakers will consider these reforms and implement them to establish an efficient and accountable local governance system. Addressing these issues will enable Bangladesh to move towards a brighter future, where local government serves as a key driver of development and enhances citizens' quality of life.


Raghu Nath Raha is Senior
Adviser at JAAGO
Foundation, Bangladesh.