Md. Mahiuddin :
Even after 53 years of independence, Bangladesh is yet to establish a robust and institutionalized local government system that brings local solutions to local problems. The existing local government bodies are broadly categorized based on the geographical areas they serve.
Rural local government institutions, which include Union Parishads, Upazila Parishads, and Zila Parishads, primarily oversee non-urban areas. In contrast, Urban Local Government Institutions, as the name implies, serve urban areas through Paurashavas (municipalities) and City Corporations. This section focuses on reform agendas and proposals for improving the rural local governance system in Bangladesh.
Composition of Rural Local Government Bodies
Union Parishad, the oldest rural local government institution in Bangladesh, consists of a directly elected body. Each Union Parishad is led by a Chairperson elected by the voters of the entire union. Additionally, nine general members are elected from the union’s nine wards, and three reserved seats for women are filled by electing one woman from each cluster of three wards.
At the sub-district level, the Upazila Parishad (UZP) comprises a Chairperson, a ViceChairperson, and a Female Vice-Chairperson, all elected directly by the public. The UZP also includes the Chairpersons of all Union Parishads within the Upazila as ex-officio members, with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), a government-appointed official, serving as the Parishad’s secretary.
The Zila Parishad, representing the district level, features a Chairperson and Members (general and reserved for women), who are indirectly elected by representatives from Union Parishads, Upazila Parishads, and municipal bodies within the district. Ex-officio members, such as the Deputy Commissioner (DC), are included to facilitate coordination with central authorities.
A critical concern is that these local government bodies share overlapping geographical jurisdictions. Without a cohesive vertical linkage among the three tiers-Union, Upazila, and Zila Parishads-development efforts often result in redundancy and duplication. To address this, we propose an integrated governance structure supported by simultaneous local elections.
Harmonization of Rural Local Government Structure
Under the current system, Union Parishad Chairpersons serve as ex-officio members of the Upazila Parishad, fostering participation in broader development initiatives. This arrangement has proven effective in minimizing duplication. A similar structure should be adopted at the district level, where Zila Parishad could include directly elected leaders (one Chairperson and two Vice-Chairpersons) alongside ex-officio membership for Upazila Parishad Chairpersons.
Unified Local Elections
To align with the restructured governance model, elections for rural local government bodies should be conducted simultaneously within each district. This would streamline the electoral process and reduce costs. Two options for election timing are proposed:
1. Post-National Election Schedule: Local elections could be held in a phased manner within the first year following the national election, ensuring all Union, Upazila, and Zila Parishads in a district vote on the same day, barring exceptional circumstances. This approach minimizes election-related expenses.
2. Staggered Election Model: Inspired by the U.S. system, half of all districts could hold local elections alongside the national election, with the remaining districts voting two years later.
Integrated Revenue Generation and Sharing
A sustainable local government system requires a well-defined framework for generating and sharing resources among local institutions. Current revenue sources are limited, ambiguous, and inconsistent in terms of allocation rights. For example, while Upazila Parishads were granted authority to issue building licenses, this function remains inactive due to administrative hurdles. Simplifying these processes is essential.
Additionally, new revenue streams must be explored alongside optimizing existing ones. Clear guidelines for levying fees and taxes should be established to prevent overlapping responsibilities and ensure efficiency. A strategic revenue-sharing model would reduce dependence on the central government and enhance the autonomy of local bodies.
Performance-Based Allocation
Adopting performance-based grants (PBGs) for Union, Upazila, and Zila Parishads can significantly improve governance and service delivery by linking financial allocations to measurable performance criteria. Successful models like the Local Governance Support Project (LGSP) and Upazila Governance and Development Project (UGDP) illustrate how PBGs can enhance accountability, transparency, and resource mobilization. They also encourage better financial management and revenue collection while directly benefiting communities through targeted development projects.
However, challenges such as capacity gaps, regional disparities, and complex implementation must be addressed. Some local government institutions (LGIs) may face difficulties meeting performance standards due to limited resources. To mitigate this, robust monitoring systems and equitable designs are essential. With proper planning, PBGs hold strong potential to strengthen local governance and drive inclusive development across Bangladesh.
Formation of a Local Government Commission
Establishing a Local Government Commission (LGC) could empower elected representatives and reduce bureaucratic dominance in Union, Upazila, and Zila Parishads. Acting as an independent oversight body, the LGC would enhance institutional autonomy, mediate conflicts, and ensure equitable resource distribution. It would also provide training and foster capacity building, promoting participatory governance and reducing reliance on centralized decision-making.
In Bangladesh, an LGC could strengthen local governance by ensuring accountability and fair fund allocation while minimizing political influence. Although bureaucratic resistance and political will pose challenges, a well-designed and autonomous LGC could transform local governance, empowering communities and advancing decentralization goals.
Restructuring rural local governance in Bangladesh is essential for fostering efficient, transparent, and accountable institutions. By aligning local government structures, enhancing performance-based incentives, and empowering elected representatives, Bangladesh can ensure more responsive governance that meets the needs of its communities and drives sustainable development.
(The author is currently working as a consultant in a local government-related project and can be contacted via email:[email protected])
